Empty Amusement with a Flimsy Script

Rating: 1/10 (4 January 2014)

Just saw "Inside Llewyn Davis"...the Coen brothers' latest work. For me, this was barely an "okay movie". It's nothing I would ever urge anyone to see. It's empty amusement with a flimsy script. What may have seemed like a good idea in concept turns out to be merely ho-hum upon its execution. With all the music throughout, it's a huge disappointment to hear only mediocre technical recordings of the songs (And the key singers are marginal—especially Justin Timberlake.) Even as a made-for-TV effort it's tawdry. Sure, there are a few expected tricks of the cinematic trade here and there. But over all, this movie gives lip service to the period and the music culture of the time, and rides mainly on the reputation of the Coen brothers--which is why I wanted to see it. It would have been a total waste of time if it were not but to warn you.