Riveting Powerful and Exciting

Rating: 10/10 (3 November 2007)

I was very impressed with the acting all across the board. I thought Russell was great...maybe its the role, maybe its Denzel always being Denzel, but I thought Russell had the harder, less flashy but more nuanced role and he was great. But all the many supporting players rose to the occasion. I was surprised to see some actors I hadn't realized would be in the film like Joe Morton and Ted Levine. I think the big revelation is Josh Brolin...this should make his career if he doesn't blow it picking bad projects down the road. Many of the scenes will haunt you... and there is a line (don't worry, I won't give it away) that really cracked-up me and my 3 friends who all work in law firms, we just burst out laughing. I think you'll know it when you hear it.
One indication of how people felt.... even at its long running time there was hardly any movement...i.e. people getting up to hit the restrooms... people seemed riveted.
This film brought back the wonderful days of movie-making from the 30's - 50's when yes there were stars but supporting players also got a lot of attention and good material. There is a lot of texture, wonderful cinematography and food for the mind. I will be seeing it again.