Spielberg's direction is very fluid and tight, relying on a lot of long takes for optimum performances and camera movement to give the film a sense of tension and energy. His blocking and staging here is particularly fantastic, with the exception of one moment — a scene where a government employee is contemplating running off with some government documents, and lingers, unrealistically and suspiciously, at the threshold of the glass doors in front of two guards. He makes sure to fully occupy and utilize the sets in which he films and makes a story about a bunch of stiffs in a newsroom as a engaging as possible.

The story is framed from the perspective of The Washington Post and their dilemma to publish, or not to publish, classified government information that could send them to jail and cause financial ruin for their paper. Those are the stakes, and they're undoubtedly high; however, the more interesting angle to the story may be from the government itself, their decision to keep important information out of the public, and continue to cover is up for years. Regardless, it's still an important story that deserves to be told.

If you're a piqued by newsroom or slow Spielbergian drama, or are interested in modern American history, this film is for you. I'd say it's worth a watch for Odenkirk and Cross, personally — oh yeah, and Hanks and Streep, too. This isn't one that I'd personally rush out and see, but if you're interested on keeping tabs on the Oscars, you'll definitely need to make a trip to the theater.

Rating: 3.5 exposed government secrets outta 5.