Tommy Lee Jones steals it

Rating: 6/10 (20 June 2008)

I was a little let down by this drawn-out, rather plodding film. Some atmosphere, but not enough to carry a movie that felt longer than it was. Bardem's award-sweeping performance was fine but with such a juicy character any half decent actor would struggle to make a hash of it. It was Tommy Lee Jones who I found myself fascinated by  a detailed portrayal, fascinating to watch. A shame he didn't have more screen time in the film's first half.
Roger Deakins cinematography was brilliant  what a year for him, with The Assassination of Jesse James and this  and the production design effective. But the storytelling is simplistic and James Brolin doesn't have the charisma to carry the central role.