A pleasant surprise, that it delivers what it set out to deliver

Rating: 8/10 (8 February 2010)

Not the Coens' most ambitious film, that must go to Country for Old men, but it certainly is a very pleasant viewing experience. More accessible to the spectator, not used to the Coens' very unique storytelling.
This features some absolute brilliant performances, especially by Brad Pitt and George Clooney. Nobody can quite make idiocy seem dignified quite as good as them. There is a terrible shocking visual about 2/3 into the movie, which might seem ordinary to people used to hardcore violence, but see it and think about who it happens to. Only the Coens' would have the nerve to let that happen.
Pretty much devoid of artsy stuff, which is also pretty rare for them, but still not a straightforward action thriller. Not an ordinary film by any means, but not at all confusing which some of their efforts have been. I really couldn't figure out Intolerable Cruelty, which sort of is in the vein of this film.
The best performance, though, is by Frances McDormand. You don't quite understand her character's motivations, but she is charming, funny and also kind of sad - everything a character should possess if you are to care about it.
So, absolutely worth watching and another shock is the end - I thought really, that's it? But in hindsight, how else could it end?