'The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford' delves into the private life and public exploits of America's most notorious outlaw. As the charismatic and unpredictable Jesse James (Brad Pitt) plans his next great robbery, he wages war on his enemies, who are trying to collect the reward money -- and the glory -- riding on his capture. But the greatest threat to his life may ultimately come from those he trusts the most.


It’s been delayed, shifted, and moved till it seems like we’ve been waiting years for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford to show up in theaters. Even more worrying is that the film is only a limited release. With a star like Brad Pitt in the title role you’d think they’d be going wide with it if there was any chance it isn’t utterly awful. The supporting cast is stacked too, with minor stars like Casey Affleck, Zooey Deschanel, Sam Rockwell, Sam Shepherd, and Jeremy Renner.

There are a lot of bad sign attached to The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert FordD, but with a title that ridiculously long and simultaneously cool it’s impossible not to be interested in seeing it. If 3:10 to Yuma is as good as the early word on it is indicated, maybe we have a shot at having two great Westerns in theaters this year… or maybe 3:10 will end up shooting Assassination in the back. Russell Crowe and Christian Bale’s remake has the jump on it, and will hit theaters first leaving Jesse James to rope whatever’s left after they’re done with us. Still, I’m hoping for the best from both of them.

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