Michael Clayton - 7.5

George Clooney's newest film, Michael Clayton, is well-written, well-made, and well-acted, with Clooney and Tom Wilkinson both turning in Oscar-level performances. The overall plot is interesting and after getting past a slow first 30 minute or so set-up phase, this movie moves along nicely. Bottom line, similar (though not quite as good imo) to The Insider, it is an intelligent, thrilling drama that could easily pick up several Oscar nominations - though since it is still so early in the season and real contenders are only just now starting to be released, it really is impossible to say. However, I will say I'll be very surprised if Clooney's combination of a fine performance here and his status as an Oscar darling and one of Hollywood's foremost lead actors doesn't get him his first Best Actor nomination.