All the Way

THE GIST: Sworn in as President after the assassination of JFK, Lyndon Johnson affirms his intention to introduce the Civil Rights Act legislation first announced by his predecessor. The bill faces stiff opposition in Congress, including from members of his own party, so he will have to use all his political savvy and cunning to see it become law.

All the Way is a really good dramatization of the political machinations that went on behind the scenes in the few crucial months that preceded the historical passing of this legislation, whose effects are still being fought on today.

Bryan Cranston is absolutely phenomenal as LBJ, with a supporting cast that includes Anthony Mackie, Melissa Leo, Frank Langella, Bradley Whitford, Stephen Root, Ray Wise, and Ken Jenkins.

THE BOTTOM LINE: A great crash course on American politics and on one of the most consequential pieces of legislations ever passed, which ended up changing the country's political landscape for decades to come. A must see.

Grade: 8