A bad Coen Brothers movie is still better than most other movies.

Rating: 6/10 (30 January 2009)

If this film weren't identified with the Coens, it might have rated a bit higher, both in my opinion and in the opinions of other reviewers. But the Coens have a lot of talent, making some extraordinary films, and we have come to expect more from them this.
BAR is all clever and no polish. The casting is OK, but nothing to brag on. (Most actors would sign-up for a Coens film without giving it much thought or even reading the script.) The acting is about average for the star-power involved, with Pitt (surprisingly) being the stand-out. The cinematography is just ho-hum. Long-time Coens collaborator Deakins is sorely missed. Several of the scenes have a sense of desperation about them that seems out of place. (For example, the scene with "the chair" is just not very funny and really doesn't contribute anything to the story or character development. And it seems totally inconsistent with Clooney's character.)
The clever plotting and story-line are what save this from being rated much lower. Everything ties together pretty neatly and leaves you feeling smug and self-satisfied. (I think the scenes at the CIA office are priceless.)
Recommended for people who enjoy black comedy and clever crime capers, but be warned: BAR seems more like it was written by the Coens and handed over to someone else to direct and edit.