The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Rating 8:

Despite its flaws - the 2 1/2-hour length, and the maddeningly redundant voice-over-the film is worth seeing. The performances are excellent and the film's exploration of celebrity in America is interesting. But most impressive is the cinematography by Roger Deakins (frequently of Coen Brothers' movies.) Also, music by Nick Cave, who makes a brief appearance.

Into the Wild

Rating: 7

Nature's not on your side, people! Bears aren't your friend, and living off foraged roots and berries is not normal. That's what I've learned from movies like Into The Wild and Grizzly Man.
There were flaws but I did enjoy the film.

Michael Clayton

Rating: 8.5

Michael Clayton is a lawyer movie, but not a courtroom movie. The writer/director, Tony Gilroy, was in attendance at the screening I saw, and he said he intentionally begins a scene a little early and and lingers a little at the end, which is a good description of the style of the film. The effect of this is, you have no idea where the story is headed but you're fascinated. Also, the dialogue is very realistic - the characters seem to really be talking which draws you into their relationships. And it's the relationships rather than plot twists that drive the story. You can tell the terrific cast is thrilled to be involved in such a smart movie. Clooney waived his fee to work on this, according to Gilroy. Excellent movie!

Dan in Real Life

Rating: 3

Even Steve Carell's charms don't save this dippy, sappy romantic comedy. It's also a shameful waste of excellent music by Sondre Lerche.

Eastern Promises

Rating: 9

Not predictable, fascinating characters, very violent but wonderfully done. Cronenberg is steadily becoming one of my favorite directors.

The 11th Hour

Rating: 7

Bone-chillingly informative. There are numerous brilliant sciencey-types out there doing their best to save the planet, and in The 11th Hour, they aren't just talking about the people on the planet. The excellent point is made that humans, like most species, will become extinct eventually. The problem is that we might leave the planet uninhabitable for any life, and that would be the real tragedy.

Paths of Glory

Rating: 10

Thanks to the SIFF Kubrick festival that's happening now, I finally got to see Paths of Glory on the big screen. It's a masterpiece. See it.