Burn After Reading A Funny Comedy

Rating: 7/10 (6 June 2009)

Burn After Reading is a funny comedy from the Coen brothers whose other directorial credits include No Country For Old Men, The Big Lewoski, and Fargo to name a few. I won't reveal any spoilers because it's better to see it without knowing too much about the movie. Burn After Reading may not be the funniest movie I've ever seen but it's definitely worth watching because of the terrific performances by the whole cast. George Clooney is funny as Harry a philandering State Department marshal whose cheating on his wife. Frances McDormand is equally impressive as Linda Litzke an employee at Harbodies a workout gym whose wants cosmetic surgery. John Malkovich is good as always as Osbourne Cox a CIA Agent who quits his job after being demoted. Tilda Swinton is effective as Osbourne's cold wife Katie a doctor who's having an affair with Harry. Richard Jenkins is good as Ted Treffon the manger of Hardbodies who has feelings for Linda and Brad Pitt is hilarious as Chad Feldheimer a total goof ball whose also an employee at the gym Hardbodies. Pitt may not get a whole lot of screen time but he does a great job at playing a complete idiot. J.K. Simmons also shows up in a brief cameo role and does a solid job with the small part he does have in the movie. Well done. The Coens continue to show with the movie their talent and skill as filmmakers. So if you're a fan of comedies than you can't go wrong this one because Burn After Reading is worth seeing for the laughs and the exceptional performances by the talented cast.