Good, not great.

Rating: 7/10 (4 November 2007)

I had been looking forward to seeing this movie since I first saw it was in production over a year ago. With a great cast, director, writer and producer I knew it was destined to be at the very least a good movie. But that's all it was -- a good movie. I saw this movie earlier tonight and left thinking I had seen a good movie -- nothing more. I saw nothing I hadn't seen before. But what I had seen was great acting, directing, and a great soundtrack. I wasn't surprised at any point but left pleased. Yes, Denzel Washington was great in this movie and he displayed much of what he used to win his Best Actor Award in Training Day. I think he may get nominated for Best Actor but will not win.
Russell Crowe. How was Russell Crowe? He showed he can continue to play a wide array of characters and make them believable but his performance wasn't unbelievable. Don't bet on him getting a nomination this year.
As the Academy is inconsistent, I don't think this film will prevail as the favorite. But wait, it's inconsistent -- so who knows? I can say this though: expect this to entertain you even if it is quite long which means something.
8/10. I'm looking forward to No Country For Old Men to satisfy my craving for a classic.