The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

One of the founders of the cult of celebrity, the ruthless outlaw Jesse James (Brad Pitt) attracts a young hero-worshipper (Casey Affleck) whose adoration shades into dangerous obsession. A big-canvas Western with an epic scope, sensationally photographed by Roger Deakins in the tradition of “McCabe and Mrs. Miller” and “Days of Heaven.” Directed by Andrew Dominik (“Chopper”), who depicts the criminal and the coward in a dance of death. Rated R for some strong violence and brief sexual references. Three and a half stars – Roger Ebert

Lars and the Real Girl

Ryan Gosling plays Lars Lindstrom, a painfully shy young man who can barely stand the touch of another human being. One day he orders a life-sized love doll through the Internet, using “Bianca” not for sex but for companionship. He expects everyone else to treat the doll the same way, including his brother (Paul Schneider), sister-in-law (Emily Mortimer) and therapist (Patricia Clarkson). Only after the movie is over do you realize what a balancing act it was, what risks it took, what rewards it contains. Directed by Craig Gillespie, written by Nancy Oliver (“Six Feet Under”). Rated PG-13 for some sex-related content. Three and a half stars – RE