Overall Good Movie, tho not for the average movie-goer

Rating: 7/10 (22 November 2007)

It was good to see Josh Brolin on-screen again. I have always enjoyed his and father James's work. I can't believe some of the comments I read, especially one that totally overlooks Jones's character! His is one of the pivotal roles in the film. After all, his character is what the whole premise of the story is place on.
I liked how the Cohens cut from action/thriller type scenes, which dealt with the drugs and money, trailing Brolin's character, and back to Jones's character to how he was tracking the case. I also enjoyed how Jones portrayed his role, which showed the difference in crime fighting approaches. You can see his as being laid-back methodical thinking, basing his conclusions on factual evidence, against the "Miami Vice" type of hyper-active approach to go fast, making conclusions based on circumstantial evidence, and assumptions.
I also liked Bardem's character. However, I don't give him kudos for the style. I liked the way it showed his ability to evade any visibility, as well as glimpses of skills that proved he had to be a professional govt agent, albeit a rogue agent. I did wish there weren't lapses in the time-line, as others also commented on. If he'd shown me something better than Hannibal Lector, then my opinion would change.
What I didn't like, was the lack of any substance regarding the Mexicans, and how they were able to track the money. The question was posed, but left unanswered. In my view, that was a crucial point. Another was the build-up of Brolin's character, and giving us a major fall-off at the end. What happened with his wife? What happened with the police case? Jones's character seemed to give the impression that he had absolutely no concern, after he retired. I think any lawman would either casually follow an unsolved case that was still fresh when they retired, possibly staying involved, either actively, or as a consultant, if nothing else! I know some think/say that this movie wasn't intended as mystery/action. But, I think when there's as much left hanging at the end, as was done in this one, that it looks more like an unfinished story. You'll never hear Oscar suggestions from me. That's all bull, as far as I'm concerned. Everyone knows the quality of their own talents and abilities and the result of their labors. Oscars are only to hype an actors value,, and to me, it doesn't make any movie worth paying upwards of $10, to see the theater release.
However, even with my dislikes, I cannot ignore the fact that I was enthralled and entertained, which is why I rate it 7. If they could have done a bit better with the "ending" and shown a bit more in the middle, to clear up some confusion, I think it could be a 10.