Year: 1994
Directed By: Joel and Ethan Coen
Written By: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, and Sam Raimi
RYAN’S REVIEW
I am a huge fan of the Coen brothers and typically like everything they do. I actually went out of my way to specifically buy this movie for the blog a year ago. Having finally reached it at the end of the “H” section on our DVD rack I am disappointed in my decision to make the purchase. This is a really great movie with all the Coen brothers’ talent on hand, but I just don’t like it. I don’t know if it’s the time period of the setting, the gloomy look of the movie, or the stars on hand but I just can’t get on board with this one.
I can clearly see how good the movie is, but nothing about it appeals to me. The fast talking style of most of the characters really displays the talent of the actors playing the parts but I don’t care for it. Specifically Jennifer Jason Leigh does a wonderful job, and Paul Newman is every bit as talented as he always was. I have never been a big Tim Robbins fan though, and I loathe that stupid expression he has on his face throughout the whole film.
This movie offers many classic scenes and a story that I’m sure would appeal to many people. Don’t take my word on this one because it’s a Coen brothers film and they are always worth your time. On this one anyway I will tell you that my not liking it says nothing about the quality of the film itself. Despite my opinion of the film I’m going to tell you that it is still worth your time to see it and maybe you will enjoy it more than I did.
AMBER’S REVIEW
I love this movie. I think it is hilarious and true to its makers. The Coen Brothers are known for their very unique style and shtick. You can usually tell you are watching a Coen Brothers movie when the characters are very exaggerated. Think about Marge in Fargo. “O ya, ya say!” This movie stretches it even further. The accents are out there and the actions are out there. Everything is very much Coen Brothers, but stretched out a little further to really tell this story. I love them all, and this one is a great one too. You should see all the Coen Brothers movies. They are definitely two of the greatest movie makers out there today.
And the poster. It feels the theme and time period of the movie. I don’t love it, but I don’t hate it either. I really wish they would have just let Tim Robbins take on the poster alone. I think if they would have simplified the poster a little bit, it would feel cleaner and easier to bring people in.
NEXT MOVIE: Hustle & Flow (2005)
The Movie Snobs 