Burn after watching

Rating: 5/10 (10 February 2009)

OK, the film is not as bad as the summary heading would suggest, but this is still pretty tepid fare from filmmakers from whom we have come to expect more.
Two fitness trainers come upon a forgotten CD-R containing what they believe to be classified information. They set about blackmailing the author, CIA black sheep Cox, who quickly realises they are out of their depth and allows his own demons to wreak vengeance on these ill-prepared charlatans. Meanwhile Cox's wife is at it with his sex-obsessed best mate.
It's all very convoluted and tawdry, but it doesn't matter, because the bottom line is - there is no one to like in this film. The writers, the directors, the actors - no one goes out of their way to create an ounce of empathy for any one of the God-forsaken beings who inhabit this narrative. The Hardbodies manager comes closest, but even he is so wimpy and unassertive that his demise barely registers. Pitt and Clooney are clearly in contempt of the men they portray. They have enough craft to cruise through the role, but their attitude towards the men they represent is contemptible.
It is all very amusing, slick and fast-paced, but in the words of the final on-screen character - what did we learn? His answer is: Not to do it again. I hope the Coens were listening.