Ingenious, hilarious dark comedy.

Rating: 7/10 (5 March 2009)

Another winner for the Coens. Continuing their tradition of making comedies after dark crime thrillers, such as their previous magnum opus "No Country For Old Men", the Coens create another trademark Coen dark comedy.
This time they're out to poke fun at espionage, the writers/directors dream up some stuff most of the Hollywood filmmakers wouldn't even dare to dream up! This film, like it or not, makes smart people look dumb, much to my delight. Be warned this film is not for those without a cruel sense of humor.
It's hard to find a weak performance in the movie. All the actors were perfectly cast in their role. Tilda Swinton, John Malkovich, and Coens' regulars Frances McDormand (and surprise, J.K. Simmons) deliver great performances. Standouts, however, are George Clooney (in a huge turnaround from his usual cool persona) and especially Brad Pitt. Pitt gave me the most laughs from anyone else in the film.
In short, this is one of the funniest and freshest comedies of 2008, and also the funniest Coens film since "The Big Lebowski". Highly recommended for the serious moviegoer in need of a laugh.
Overall: 8/10