For me, "Zodiac" is a tough movie to review. Do I praise it for its Oscar-worthy performances, the incredible direction by David Fincher, its smart speculative script based upon real events & its immaculate attention to period detail? Or should I be truly honest and say, despite the nearly unanimous (and justified) critical praise, "Zodiac" is one long-ass movie, and I felt every second of its 157 minute running time?

This is a fictionalized account of the investigation of the Zodiac Killer, who murdered several people (and claimed to have killed a lot more) during the late 60s in the San Francisco area. No arrests were ever made, though authorities had a pretty good idea who their man was. Despite a few horrifically-depicted killings during the first half-hour, "Zodiac" isn't really about the murders, but the investigation itself (which last well over a decade, to no avail), as seen through the eyes of Inspector David Toschi (Mark Ruffalo), boozing journalist Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr) and editorial cartoonist Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal), the latter of whom becomes obsessed with the case. Over the course of several fruitless years, we see, in excruciating detail, how this case has personally affected these men. There's a ton to like about this film. It's supremely well-acted (most especially by Gyllenhaal), and the production design makes us really feel like we've gone back in time to when this was all going on. The script effectively captures the paranoia & media frenzy that surrounded this case. Director David Fincher demonstrates he doesn't need to rely of visual gimmicks and hip nihilism. Yet, at the same time, despite how visually stunning the movie is, it really begins to drag during the last hour, especially since we know there will be no real resolution. Yeah, I know we're supposed to feel the same sense of defeatism these investigators did, but that doesn't necessarily mean we want sit through it with them. I almost feel bad giving "Zodiac" a B rating, because it IS so well made. But as a Fincher fan who loved "Seven" & "Fight Club" (and even has to admit he liked "Alien 3"), I was expecting something different, even though I know he's working with fact-based material, and can't simply make the same movie over and over again.

The film is presented in 2.35:1 widescreen, enhanced for 19:9 TVs, and the overall picture is outstanding. There's a lot of attention paid to the look and palate of the film, which benefits from a great DVD transfer here. The audio is wonderfully rendered in 5.1 Dolby Digital, with tremendous balance and clarity.

Unless you count previews of "Perfume" and a Special Edition of "Zodiac" slated to be released next year, there are none.

If I'm to be honest (and why not?), I'd have go against the grain and say "Zodiac" is a truly great film, with tremendous attention to accuracy and period detail, but simply not very enjoyable to sit through. It's a movie that, even though I can't think of any scenes which could have been removed, was a long and grueling experience. I don't know...maybe after several years since his last film, I was expecting more from Fincher. Or maybe I personally don't want Fincher to grow as a filmmaker (which he certainly does here). Or maybe the true story of the Zodiac Killer just isn't movie fodder. And, like many of Fincher's films, maybe I'll feel differently after watching it again. Definitely recommended for viewing at least once to judge for yourself.