Michael Clayton

During its slow first half, Tony Gilroy et al skillfully and almost invisibly invest in tiny little moments revealing bits of information that pay off in SPADES by the end. Another politically minded, socially conscious hit for Clooney, whose character has a reputation for being a badass, but we don’t see why for a long time. But when we finally do, it’s savage and satisfying. Gilroy and Clooney should both get lots of nominations for this. This is a great movie; well-worth the possible early yawns.