Great pacing, excellent script, superb actors - sort of an "All the President's Men" on steroids. Most scary thing: looking at the underlying political horrorshow purely as entertainment. Helen Mirren - the immense talent, hilarious as convincing (of course) foul-mouthed/intellectual/cartoon version of Perry White (of Superman). And Robin Wright - so beautiful and talented, and yet always plays such a waif. Why? Russell Crowe is passionate while doughy, and focused; Ben Affleck, a perfect suit; and Rachel McAdams achieves empathetic, serious-career-woman with a soft side; Jason Bateman - bizarre, excellent as always. Assassin is monolithic and anybody trying hard will predict outcome(s). Solid entertainment for your movie buck.