MOVIE REVIEW - Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford, The (2007)

Slow moving and not compelling, this drama documents the end of Jesse James' career and life. The movie depicts Robert Ford as a bit of a stalker-fan of James - and even somewhat less confident and intelligent than a modern-day stalker would be. Casey Affleck received a supporting actor nod, and for the life of me, I don't know why. He was the worst part of an at-best mediocre movie. Too long, too inconsequential, with no standout performances.

MOVIE REVIEW - Once (2007)

Small Irish movie about a street musician who meets a woman while performing, she also a musician; and they play their songs together with subtle flirtations, slowly getting to know each other. Their relationship is a bit frustrating, but the music is really nice. And it's nice watching the music develop alongside their friendship. Multiple boring parts, and it doesn't have a lasting emotional effect. But it's worth the watch.

MOVIE REVIEW - There Will Be Blood (2007)

Definitely an interesting story about an early 1900's oil man who works hard but lets greed get the best of him while he goes crazy. Daniel Day Lewis is getting tons of Oscar buzz and will likely win Best Actor; but for me, he ruined the movie. His portrayal was intentional weird, and that weirdness took away from any realism of this guy really going nuts. Ever since watching the movie, I've thought a lot about it - the story was very compelling. But what I've thought about most is how much more I would've enjoyed the movie with any other actor - Russell Crowe, Mark Ruffalo, Aaron Eckhart, Guy Pearce - they would've brought depth and realism to the character and his eccentricities, without making him look so bizarre. I liked the story quite a lot. The scene in the bowling alley, the scene on the beach, the scene with the blown eardrum... all excellent. But unfortunately off-kilter, too. So overall, I'm disappointed - this could've been a Best Picture contender for me (as it is with Oscar), but instead is a missed opportunity.