Rated R for some strong violence and brief sexual references.
Directed by Andrew Dominik
Starring Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Rockwell…
This film made numerous lists as one of the best films of 2007. Sorry… it won’t be on my list.
Don’t get me wrong… it’s a pretty good film. I really enjoyed it in fact. But maybe my expectations were a little high when I saw it in a number of blogs listed as one of the best of 2007. One reviewer described this film as “perfect” in all respects.
Hmmmmmm.
The story is about Robert Ford (Affleck), a young man who has idolized Jesse James (Pitt) since childhood. Ford tries hard to join the reforming gang of the Missouri outlaw, but gradually becomes resentful of the bandit leader.
I think the biggest flaw was in the film’s pacing. The pacing was SLOW. The movie felt as long as the title!
Slow isn’t always bad. I saw this film the same day that I saw the Coen brothers’ No Country for Old Men. That film was also really slow paced… except it had me on the edge of my seat. But this Robert Ford flick (sorry, that’s all I’m typing of that long title) was the kind where you don’t even hit pause to go use the bathroom. You just figure, “Nah! I won’t miss nothing!”
The performances saved it for me. Pitt was good as always and Affleck really proved himself. Some of the supporting roles were phenomenal. The film was full of talent.
The story is a good historical insight of Jesse James—definitely worth the rent.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Nope. It’s way too violent, and has a little bit of sexual talk that’s over the top. But 99% of teenagers wouldn’t even be able to endure this film’s slow pace anyway.
Side Note:
As said above, we don’t recommend your kids see this film. But on the occasion that they actually have already seen it, you may want to dialogue about the film with them. These questions below may be a help to you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
