Lighter But Still Good

Rating: 8/10 (29 September 2008)

I thoroughly enjoyed this film, which sees the Coen's get back on more comedic ground after the darkness of "No Country For Old Men".
I think I read somewhere that a lot of movies are about ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situation through no fault of their own. In this film the characters seem to get themselves into trouble through their own character flaws, greed, stupidity,paranoia,and hubris to name a few.
The acting is excellent. Pitt has no problem making himself look foolish. Malkovich plays the self absorbed former CIA agent brilliantly. McDormand is great as the unhappy gym worker, determined to turn her life around at almost any cost. However I find myself tiring of twitches in Clooney's performance that he seems rely on in most of his comedic performances such as in "O Brother, Where Art Thou" and "Intolerable Cruelty". Pesonally I was delighted to see David Rasche, from the brilliant "Sledge Hammer" TV show of many years ago.
It is certainly miles away from "No Country..." but the Coens still though a few curve-balls at us when we least expect them and that helps the film rise above run of the mill comedies.
Treat yourself to a good laugh, go and see this.