Brad Pitt as Jesse James.

Rating: 7/10 (11 February 2008)

Friendship turns into betrayal in this lumbering tale that puts focus on the assassination of Jesse James. In the late 1800s Jesse James(Brad Pitt)was one of the most well known men in America. Reputation, folklore and dime store novels are credited with making the Missouri outlaw a Robin Hood type hero to some, including a young Robert Ford(Casey Affleck), who thought he knew more about James than James himself. Begging to join the last James gang, Ford went from being a pain in the ass to a very guarded friend. That friendship would grow into something dark as Ford still had the grand idea of being famous himself. He will look at his hero as a stepping stone to greatness. Well photographed, well acted, but still you get the feeling that the hype made you expect more. It is doubtful this will become a classic. Both Pitt and Affleck are outstanding. You would image more action. What there is is ruthless. Also starring are: Sam Shepard, Garret Dillahunt, Paul Schnideider, Mary-Louise Parker and Sam Rockwell.