Entertaining but disappointing

Rating: 6/10 (15 September 2008)

It would be very difficult for the Coens to top "No Country For Old Men." And they didn't. I regret to say that this was not even close. There are several films by the Coens which will be regarded as classics. This won't be one of them.
There were so many talented actors doing excellent work (though I must say that Brad Pitt playing against type just did not score and was ultimately a victim of miscasting). The script got off to a very slow start and gained very little speed. I kept waiting for the action to begin--thinking that we were going through a remarkably extended period of initial exposition, as the characters were established. And then, the film ended.
The most interesting character (for me) was J. K. Simmons, who had two scenes and did not do anything but comment on the plot (perhaps giving the audience someone to identify with).
After seeing this mildly entertaining way to kill two hours, I can't help but wonder if this project would have been given the green light had the script been pitched by a totally unknown writer. I doubt it very much.