*Dave Toschi: I've been thinking...

Paul Avery: Oh God, save us all.


Zodiac
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo
Written by James Vanderbilt and Directed by David Fincher


THE CASE: Based on the real life events of the infamous Zodiac serial killer case in the San Francisco Bay Area featured in Robert Graysmith’s bestselling book -- we witness how obsession takes over the lives of specific detectives, newspaper journalists, and everyday people trying to solve the puzzle that is the Zodiac killer.


THE GOOD: David Fincher is stability in an industry where there is no stability. He always makes a good, solid film. Every time. Seven, The Game, Fight Club, Panic Room -- and now Zodiac. David Fincher is extremely skilled at making dark, damp crime thrillers and he litters Zodiac with that talent. The lighting makes you feel cold and the pacing is sinfully methodical. Considering Zodiac is about a cryptic serial killer case that spans decades -- these kinds of elements are perfect. Add in wonderfully playful performances by Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr. and you have one of the best films of 2007 so far.


THE BAD: I love how this film seemed to last forever. It really helped me feel the frustration that the characters in the film were feeling as they obsessed over years on solving the mystery of the Zodiac. Unfortunately though, some people out there are not like me and will feel that at 2hrs and 40 mins -- this film is a little too long-winded. It is also a downer that Zodiac is not performing at all at the box office.


THE LAW: Go see this film. Ignore the majority and go see Zodiac. Like I said, it is by a reliable director (David Fincher), is full of wonderful performances, and considering it is a thriller based on actual events -- what more can you ask for? Loved it -- and if you are a fan of cerebral entertainment (ie. you did not see Norbit) -- then I strongly encourage you to see Zodiac.