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**** STARS

Some of the best movies I have ever seen contain deeply rich characters that are complete polar opposites of me and anything I have ever experienced in life. While watching “The Wrestler” I was completely transported into the life of a washed up wrestler played subtlety and tenderly by the magnificent Mickey Rourke. Through beautifully crafted direction and eloquently written dialogue, I was able to relate to these characters and identify with their struggle.

Rourke’s complex and emotionally jarring depiction of a washed up wrestler in Darren Aronofsky’s film had me completely enthralled from beginning to end. When we first see Rourke as “Randy the Ram” he is a brittle broken down shell of a man. The scars of his life are not only visible on his tired face and worn down body but in his sad and lonely eyes. When Randy plays with the kids in his trailer park you can feel the desperation in his need to not be alone. In the scenes where he is by himself, the quiet stillness of his life is almost deafening in its sadness.

What makes “The Wrestler” a remarkable film are the multiple layers of authenticity in its characters. Rachel Evan Wood is intense and devistatingly harsh as Randy’s estranged daughter. Marisa Tomei also gives a jaw dropping performance as a stripper who meets Ram at work and then is conflicted trying to balance parenthood, love and life on her own. Her performance should garner her another Oscar nomination, finally squishing complaints that she didn’t deserve her Best Supporting Actress award for “My Cousin Vinnie” in 1992.

“The Wrestler” is at times bleak and often stomach-turning, but it definitely works as a heart-tugging character study. If you can look past the hype that is surrounding this film, you will see that if offers viewers far more than just Rourke’s performance. Here is a film that, through its intimacy touches on love, money, family, dreams and death in a way that won’t pile-drive you through the mat. This movie is simply, stellar, it is an American parable and a moving drama found in the unlikeliest of places. No other sports movie I have seen has moved in such a way as this film has, it is an instant American classic.

*** 1/2 STARS

“Slumdog Millionaire” could easily be called “the feel good film of 2008″, even though a lot of its emotionally charged scenes are hard to watch. This culturally rich film is crackling with color and popping with eye catching visuals. Director Danny Boyle has created a fascinating and compelling story that is not only intense; it is also sweeping and romantic. Boyle’s fast paced editing and vibrant cinematography bring life to the drab and depressing slums of Mumbai, India creating a lush landscape filled with awe inspiring images.

The film is based on the book “Q and A” written by Indian author and diplomat Vikas Swarup. The film, shot and set in India, follows a young man named Jamal from the slums of Mumbai who appears on a game show and exceeds people’s expectations, raising the suspicions of the game show host and law enforcement. The film unfolds in a series of flashbacks that are both horrific and tender. The disturbing images of poverty and filth are softened by the realistic performances given by the young actors and true to life dialogue.

“Slumdog” forces you to experience every human emotion that a film possibly can; empathy, joy, elation, fear, tension and passion. As the film began to climax I found my heart racing and my emotions soaring. The movie’s final frames don’t feel heavy handed or forced and as the film ends you want to see more of this fascinating world. The entire experience was a rollercoaster ride of well timed up’s and downs that end with one of the best credit scenes to ever be filmed.

There are a lot of good films out this award season but not many have the same human touch that “Slumdog Millionaire” has. This movie stands out in an award season full of holocaust themed films and bio-pics. The intricate camera work will keep you on the edge of your seat while the beautiful love story will capture your imagination and steal your heart. “Slumdog Millionaire” is a movie lover’s dream that is a “must see” on the big screen.

*** STARS

MOVIE SYNOPSIS:
Frost/Nixon is a historical drama based upon the play of the same name by Peter Morgan, writer of The Queen, which dramatises the 1977 televised Frost/Nixon interviews. The film version is directed by Ron Howard and produced by Brian Grazer of Imagine Entertainment. The film reunites its original two stars from the London and Broadway productions of the play, Frank Langella as former President of the United States Richard Nixon and Michael Sheen as British TV broadcaster David Frost.

FILM REVIEW:
I have a few issues with Ron Howard as a Director. In the past I have referred to his style as hack-ish at times (”The Da Vinci Code”, “Far and Away”, “The Grinch”). I am very excited to say that his latest film is a riveting triumph of cinema and it deserves all the accolades it will receive this upcoming movie award season. Besides the obvious educational and historical significance this film is an enthralling piece of work that had me glued to my seat.

Frank Langella as Nixon is the obvious stand out in a film filled with enormously talented actors. His gripping portrayal of Nixon isn’t an over the top caricature or an impression; it is an emotionally charged power house performance that is filled with intensity. I wanted to loathe Nixon more than this film would let me. In the end Langella gave one of the most human depictions of Richard Nixon to ever be portrayed on film or stage and I actually felt pitty for him.

This intricately staged film has a fast pace that I didn’t expect from a bio-pic/historical drama. The attention to detail in the set design and screenplay only highlight the strong performances by Kevin Bacon and Sam Rockwell. The comedic elements in this film also caught me off guard. I found myself laughing more than expected which helped cut through some of the more tense scenes like a knife. Ron Howard timed this film like clock work with every piece fitting in like perfection.

After watching “Frost/Nixon” I wanted to learn more about these interviews and see the actual footage, I felt hungry for more information. Ron Howard has made a film that will help educate people who have forgotten or don’t know much about this horrible point in our countries political system. Just as the original interviews between these two men were important, so is the message of this film.

*** STARS

Bolt is an American White Shepherd who has lived his whole life on the set of his action TV show, where he believes he has superpowers. When he is accidently separated from the studio and his beloved co-star, he meets a female alley cat named Mittens and a hamster named Rhino who team up to help him get home. Along the way, Bolt learns that he doesn’t have superpowers and the life he thinks he has lived is fake, and this is where the true comedy gold lies within this film.

Besides the crisp and vibrant animation this feel good family film has a ton of laughs. Rhino the hamster creates the best moments in “Bolt” with his adorable laugh and cut throat personailty. When he is on screen he steals every scene and he makes you chuckle with delight each time you see his little ball scurry along. What makes him even more hilarious is the delusional action hero persona he creates as Bolt’s nutty side kick. Watching him crack his knuckles and say “I’ll snap his neck” as he sneaks past a security guard had me in stitches. I also can’t forget to mention the utterly hysterical pigeons who also steal the show, they will have you in tears with laughter too.

It is about time that Disney created an original film that is actually worth the classic brand namesake. Much like “Lilo & Stitch” and “The Emperor’s New Groove” this film uses witty jokes and old school cartoon prat-falls as humor instead of trying to talk over kid’s heads with pop culture references and hidden adult humor. I enjoyed this cartoon just slightly more than “Madagascar 2″ because it is truly original. I think it has the potential to fill the third Oscar nomination slot along with other possible nominees “Wall-E” and “King-Fu Panda”.

This holiday season is packed with family entertainment with all kinds of stars and familiar faces. I suggest you take the little ones to go see this film instead of the other animated movies out there. “Bolt” is a fast paced ride with enough action for young boys and tons of cute talking animals for the little girls. Parents will not only love the creative plot but the jokes will tickle their funny bones as well. “Bolt” is the perfect holiday animated feature! Definitely catch it in theaters if you can.

**** STARS

Gus Van Sant’s moving bio-pic “Milk” depicts the gay rights struggle better than any other film that has ever been created. The powerful message behind this stirring movie is timely and poignant considering the passage of Prop. 8 in California recently. It is a sad and shameful truth that society has not changed much since Harvey Milk was murdered over 30 years ago. Gus Van Sant perfectly captures the ahead of its time essence of Milk’s message while crafting a gorgeous looking and emotional film that will haunt you long after the reels have stopped rolling.

If Sean Penn doesn’t receive an Oscar nomination, or the statue itself, for his brilliant portrayal of Milk then it will be a crime against cinema. Penn emmerses himself into the character of Milk so much that you can hardly imagine that this is the same guy who was “Spicoli” in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”. The minute Penn smiles in character on screen you automatically feel a sense of comfort and intimate closeness to Milk. Penn’s sensitive portrayal of Milk has you dreading the grim ending minutes after we first see him on screen. If the last 10 minutes of this film don’t have you holding back the tears or down right sobbing then you must be heartless!

James Franco, Diego Luna and Emile Hirsch also give three of the best supporting roles of the year. Their fearless, riveting and at times sweet portrayal of gay men never feels forced. It is refreshing to see such talented and gifted actors diving into roles that are normally controversial and daring for A-list Hollywood types. Franco’s quietly tender performance may even garner him an Oscar nomination. Hirsch exudes a glowing energy that feels genuinely heartfelt instead of over the top and stereotypically flamboyant, he makes every scene he is in pop. And even though his role is small in “Milk”, Josh Brolin gives a tense and creepy performance as the hate filled assassin Dan White that will have you glued to your seat.

To say that “Milk” is an important piece of film history would be a big understatement, it is hands down the most important film of the year and the best movie ever made about the gay rights movement. Van Sant has made a film that begs to be seen and dares the viewer to walk away without being touched and moved to take action. I am positive that this film will bring people together, start discussions and educate those who don’t know about this time in our countries civil rights history. This film is a must see for anyone who considers themselves a true American or even just a compassionate person. “Milk” stirs you with anger and then touches your heart all at once, and in all honesty isn’t that what great cinema should always do?

*** STARS

I was apprehensive about all of the hype and buzz that surrounds “Twilight” at first. But there are some major differences between these vampires and Bram Stokers famous blood sucker. This cute little romance sticks to the love story between its leads instead concentrating on the blood and guts aspect of vampire mythology. Sure this film and the book are toned down for its millions of tween girl fans, but the pacing is well timed enough for adults to get sucked into the unfolding mellow drama.

“Twilight is the first movie of the “Twilight” book series, and introduces seventeen-year-old Isabella “Bella” Swan who moves from Phoenix, Arizona, to Forks, Washington, and finds her life in danger when she falls in love with a vampire, Edward Cullen. The first novel is followed by “New Moon”, “Eclipse”, and “Breaking Dawn”. The first filmed book in the series follows Bella and Edward as they fall in love with most of the action packed scenes taking place towards the tail end of the movie.

“Twilight” is a love story at its core but the most refreshing thing about this film is its witty underlined sense of humor and creative twists on vampire lore. Edward and his family of vampires are not like the “burst into flames at the first light of day” blood suckers you see in most movies. These vampires call themselves “vegetarian” because they don’t eat humans, their skin glows like diamonds in sunlight and they are able to fall in love with humans.

I felt myself falling like a little school girl for Edward’s drop dead gorgeous looks and magnificent hair. Even though the dialogue is sappy and feels like text book soap opera material, the chemistry between the two leads is electrifying. Director Catherine Hardwick (”Thirteen”) uses the right amount of slow-motion techniques to capture the intensity shared between the two main characters. When we first see Bella and Edward make eye contact in the cafeteria the charge is almost palpable.

A lot people and critics will dismiss this film as overheated or shallow, and they would be missing the point. The bond that Bella and Edward share is the perfect type of relationship for young girls to see played out on the big screen. I think it is refreshing to see a romance between two young people that doesn’t involve sex and foul language. “Twilight” captures the innocence of puppy love and teen attraction better than most young adult movies that come out these days. I now can add myself to the legions of fans that are rooting for both of these characters to live happily ever after.

*** 1/2 STARS

“Let the Right One In” is the new remarkably shocking horror film based on a 2004 vampire fiction novel by Swedish writer John Ajvide Lindqvist. The title refers to the Morrissey song of the same name (featured on the Viva Hate special edition album) but also to the aspect of vampire lore which says that vampires cannot enter a house unless invited. All of these details combine to make a truly original, horrific and spellbinding film that is breathtaking and scary all at once.

“Let the Right One In” follows Oscar, an overlooked and bullied boy, who finds love and revenge through Eli, a beautiful but peculiar girl who turns out to be a vampire. This plot gives way for some pretty intense themes and shocking scenes that climax into one of the creepiest and sweetest endings of a horror film ever created. What you won’t expect going into this film is the underlined comedy aspect which by all accounts doesn’t belong in a blood soaked thriller.

The movie takes place in Blackeberg, a working class suburb of Stockholm. Both the film and book focus on the darker side of humanity, dealing with issues such as bullying, drugs, theft, pedophilia, prostitution and murder as well as the obvious supernatural themes. At its core this movie is a non-traditional love story with some mind bending and controversial elements that involve a young cast of super talented actors.

The quiet moments and images of falling snow give this film a real atmospheric and moody quality that is perfect for creating tension amd ominous feelings. The gorgeous cinematography and drab location of a small snow drenched Swedish town adds an artistic and sleak look to this film that heightens the suspense. The intense, bizarre and at times touching relationship these two young characters create make this film an intelligent and original horror movie that perfects the sometimes mediocre vampire film genre. With its shocking premise and scandalous ending this movie is hands down my pick for the best horror film of 2008.

*** STARS

I have said it numerous times before and I will say it again; I love animated films! The original “Madagascar” was a surprise treat when it was released over a couple of years ago and the sequel “Madagascar 2: Escape from Africa” is even better than the first. Sure this film is nowhere near the perfection that Pixar creates but the charm and laughs in this movie rival that of any other cartoon released this year.

Cartoon sequels never capture the same excitement and sweetness of the original (”Ice Age 2″ anyone?), only “Toy Story 2″ was able to improve upon an already well established classic film. “Madagascar 2″ isn’t as brilliant as the “Toy Story” movies, but it does have a fun whiz bang feel and plenty of laughs. “Madagascar 2″ uses all the things we loved from the first film and improves upon them instead of rehashing the same joke over and over like other animated films have done before (”Shrek 3″ anyone?).

The character work in this film makes it better than your average animated big screen outing. Ben Stiller does some impressive voice work as “Alex” the lion and Sascha Baron Cohen steals the show as Julien the insane king of the lemurs. But we all know the real reason why we love this series is because of the gut busting antics of the penguins. They deliver on the laughs by the truck load in this follow up. I personally love Mort the little lemur voiced by Andy Richter, he has some side splitting moments that left me in tears.

The animation in this series has never been as mind blowing as Pixar or DreamWorks but the silly hand drawn cartoonish look of “Madagascar 2″ makes it a bit easier on the eyes and it lends itself well to the silly jokes and old school cartoon gags. The tight script and hilarious pop culture references in this movie make this sequel one of the best animated follow ups ever. If you are a kid at heart and you can’t get enough of those wise cracking penguins, then this is the movie to go see with the whole family.

*** STARS

“Zack & Miri Make a Porno” may on the outside have an all too familiar sitcom feel (friends that have no idea they are secretly in love with each other) but at it’s core it is a smart, tender and progressive comedy with a bunch of gut busting jokes and a slew of draw dropping images and gags. Once again Kevin Smith adds his unique brand of writing and down to earth people skills to craft another scathing and crackling movie that has more real life elements in it than any other major Hollywood comedy this year.

The casting of this film is inspired and you can tell the whole crew had a blast filming this movie. Most of the charm and authenticity in “Zack & Miri” comes from Seth Rogan and Elizabeth Bank’s spot on performances as down on their luck roommates who come up with the ultimate money making idea to make a porno. The couple is instantly believable, and even when the plot aggravates you with its “misunderstanding” plot device, you still end up rooting for this group of cute misfits in the end.

The supporting cast of characters enhance the films comic tone and timing with their subtle nuances, the whole cast is very likable. Justin Long gives one of the most over the top and hilarious performances as a gay porn star that will have you rolling in the aisles. Tracy Lords has one scene that had me gasping and then crying with laughter in shock. If it weren’t for the supporting this cast this film could have been a seriously big mis-fire.

Kevin Smith is one the best directors alive that can truly capture the culture of young people and how they talk. This film may not be as sharp as “Clerks 2″ or “Chasing Amy” but it is a smart adult comedy that depicts the sex industry as something other than just a sleazy racket that preys on women. And once again Kevin Smith handles homosexuality and straight men in an authentic way instead of masking homophobia as jokes. This movie is shocking and nasty, but it’s also a short and sweet comedy that delivers on the laughs big time.

** 1/2 STARS

Oliver Stone’s new film “W” isn’t as scathing and controversial as the trailers and the media would lead you to believe. I was preparing myself to watch a completely liberal and one sided depiction of the worst President in history, but in the end this film is nothing more than just another glossy Hollywood bio-pic like “Ray”. If you go into this movie thinking you will get more insight into who George W. Bush is and why he does what he does, then you will be disappointed, there is nothing new to see here.

The uncanny performances in this movie are the main reasons why you should go see it while it is still in theaters. Josh Brolin gives an out of this world Oscar worthy performance as George Bush Jr. Richard Dreyfuss (Cheney) and James Cromwell (George Bush Sr.) also give spot on performances that are pretty dead on. The supporting cast which includes Thandie Newton (Condoleezza Rice) and Elizabeth Banks (Laura Bush) are mesmerizing on screen. These performances are more than impressions; they are heavily nuanced depictions that are eerily real to life.

As entertaining as “W” was I couldn’t help but get the feeling that the movie was rushed through production and slapped together so it could be released before the elections. Some of the make-up and hair in this film comes off a bit amateurish for a big Hollywood film. The truly only gratifying moments in this movie come from watching all of these talented actors working with each other. The scenes in the war room are the most intense and entertaining parts of “W”, everything else can be filed under “made for TV” content.

More than anything this movie made me sad. Realizing that any buffoon with a privileged background could become President made me sick to my stomach and I just felt depressed after the film ended. Once the movie was over I did feel a sense of great relief knowing that George W. Bush will be gone as of next year. The saddest realization is knowing that this is a part of our history that we have to get used to whether we like it or not. And for that point alone this film documents one the worst times in modern American perfectly.

**** STARS

No religion is safe from the sharp wit of Bill Maher in this comic look at organized belief systems around the world. This controversial documentary is directed by Larry Charles, who previously made both fans and foes with “Borat”. According to Maher, the title of the film is a portmanteau derived from the words “religion” and “ridiculous”.

This film proves that the power of laughter can always make the worst of topics bearable. Maher comes off as a smart, effective and scathing interviewer as he asks questions about religion that any child would, without crossing the lines of disrespect. Most religious conservatives will consider this a punch in the eye to their beliefs until of course he starts picking apart another set of beliefs that are far removed from their own.

The deafening hypocrisy and gut wrenching truths that Maher is able to drudge up is infuriating and at times so ridiculous you can’t help but laugh out loud. If anything this film is sincere and even handed. Every type of religion and the mythology behind their beliefs is scrutinized and picked apart in “Religulous”. This includes Mormons, Scientology, Catholics, Muslims, Christians and more.

The last few reels of this film take a sudden and harsh turn as the tone changes from educational, though provoking and funny to down right scary. The alarming message of “Religulous” may make you laugh and frighten you at the same time but the true meaning will resonate long after viewing this film in the theater. If I had my way I would make this required viewing in High School. If this movie doesn’t get an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary then it will be a complete and utter shame!

WATCH THE “RELIGULOUS” MOVIE TRAILER BELOW:

*** STARS

This year hasn’t been a great year for gory horror films. Earlier this summer “The Strangers” scared the shit out movie fans including me. It instantly became the only horror movie this year to make any money and to be considered a hit. That was until the stomach churning, heart pounding gore-fest titled “Quarantine” came out this past weekend. This movie grabs a hold of you by the jugular and doesn’t let go until the last few creepy frames of the film.

The movie opens with reporter Angela Vidal (Jennifer Carpenter) and her cameraman Scott (Steve Harris) doing a report on the night shift of a Los Angeles fire station. Angela and Scott ride along with firefighters Fletcher (Johnathon Schaech) and Jake (Jay Hernandez) who are called to an apartment building where people are suddenly getting sick. That is when the non-stop horror and bone chilling scares really kick in.

Without giving away any major details I can say that this film is a hybrid of “Night of the Living Dead” and “Outbreak”, but much more bloodier and graphic. This film is not for the weak at heart or for those people that are easily grossed out. This movie was made for fans of unadulterated over the top carnage and b-movie violence. It delivers the goods when it comes to real chills and scares.

Some of the acting and dialogue may come off a bit campy but the films energy and shaky camera work give this movie a real horrific feel. Just like many other great horror films this movie is able to slip in some humor in all the right places without making the film come of ridiculous and cheesy. The simple plot and fast paced action made this film a creepy and jolting ride. If you are looking for a scary movie to see this Halloween and you don’t have a weak stomach then go see this nasty little gem soon!

WATCH THE “QUARANTINE” MOVIE TRAILER BELOW:

** 1/2 STARS

I had to go see this movie at the drive-in with my good friend’s two Chihuahuas and another small dog she was watching for the weekend. With a nice bottle of wine and some good junk food, we sat back and let go as we watched this silly little film with pure child like abandonment. The sweet storyline and amusing characters and Jamie Lee Curtis’ silly over the top performance in “Chihuahua” make this film the hit it is. This is not a piece of art folks; it’s a kiddie flick with tons of dogs, dog jokes and kid friendly slapstick mayhem.

Many of you will wince and snarl your lips when you first see my two and a half star rating, but I stand by my mild recommendation of this film. Let’s get the obvious out of the way and say it is a kid’s movie with talking animals in it and yes, some talk with Mexican accents. If you aren’t a dog person and cannot stand humor aimed at 10 year olds, or if you are sensitive to racial stereotypes then stay away from this movie. If you have kids, dogs or if you are a kid at heart then you may enjoy this new PG-rated live action Disney family film.

This film pokes fun of the Beverly Hills lifestyle with this fish out of water comedy set up. The little dogs that are pampered in this kids flick learn life lessons that in the end are good for the tykes 10 years old and up. There are plenty of pop culture references and celebrity jokes for adults to laugh at as well. The voice work by Drew Barrymore is down right adorable and her sassy lisp lifts this movie from becoming a cheesy kids movie.

The kids will love the music numbers and the dog poop jokes. I personally loved the gay pug who hangs out with all the small dogs by the pool in Beverly Hills. These little touches make you forget about the fake looking special effects and routine Disney plot. Even if the commercials for “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” make you cringe, the little ones in your life will get a kick out of this little treat. It’s brainless fun for the whole family!

(IN THEATERS NOVEMBER 2008)

*** STARS

Paul Rudd is a great American treasure. He is an actor who doesn’t get enough credit for charming the socks off of movie fans. He deserves a vehicle that will showcase his charisma and dashing good looks, and even though I liked this film, this is not the big role he deserves. Sure the plot in “Role Models” is simple and it has more in common with a TV sitcom, but it actually has some real moments and true to life jokes making the whole film enjoyable and pretty refreshing. I will admit that this movie is by no means Oscar worthy and a lot of people will think it is formulaic; I actually was won over by its side splitting jokes and visual humor.

Sean William Scott isn’t breaking any new ground in this latest role which he plays just like another “Stifler” type character (from the “American Pie” series). He has some great comedic moments, one including an Ambien induced sleep walk that had me in stitches. My partner and I noticed that this was the first such joke we had ever heard in mainstream pop culture and laughed at how dead on it was. An extra bonus was seeing Scott nude in this scene, it is worth the price of admission alone if he is your idea of “hot”.

“Role Models” reminded me of another comedy surprise from earlier in the summer called “Baby Mama” starring Tina Fey. Just like that surprisingly sweet film this movie is able to mix crass potty humor with smart real to life dialog that is comforting and hilarious at the same time. Sean William Scott and Paul Rudd make a great comedic duo bouncing off each other with finely tuned physical humor and side splitting improvisation. Both of these actors have been in some of the best comedies ever put to film (”Clueless” and “American Pie”) and they feel right at ease shocking the audience as well as making them like their goofball characters.

The writer and director David Wain has a knack for making oddball cute little comedies like “Wet Hot American Summer” and “The Ten”, and this movie is a fun addition to his dorky humorous filmography. His TV project “The State” gave birth to Amy Poehler so you this guy has an eye for laughs and subversive. This movie won’t receive the huge accolades that a huge film like “Tropic Thunder” does but it has more heart and genuine laughs than most big comedies put out today.

* 1/2 STARS

After watching the Coen Brothers latest movie I have to say it felt more like they should have “Burned After Watching” the final print. It’s not that this film is a complete waste of celluloid, it’s just that it is a contrived mess with one of the most over acted performances to ever hit the big screen. After a career of highs and lows this film should go in the category of low films that just didn’t click and missed the mark by Joel & Ethan Coen (along with “The Ladykillers” and “Intolerable Cruelty”).

Brad Pitt can’t help but ham up his role as a personal trainer working at a gym called “Hardbodies”. His character is miles away from his off screen persona and within a few moments we can’t help but see Pitt desperately trying to be a “normal guy”. The world’s sexiest man can’t quite pull off the bumbling idiot type and it slowly becomes obnoxious. Pitt’s over acting is just plain unbelievable and it is a big casting mis-step by last year’s Oscar winners for “No Country for Old Men”.

I never thought I would complain about gratuitous gore and over the top violence, but some how in this movie it seems out of place and unnecessary. The first 45 minutes of “Burn” is a boring set up for the ridiculous and forced action of the second half. The whole movie ends up looking like a wreck comprised up of fancy cinematography, over the top carnage and a lot of uncomfortable laughs. It seems the Coen Brothers have set out to make a film about morons that no one cares about.

I went into this film hoping for another original slice of twisted Americana but came out feeling unsatisfied and almost ripped off. The Coen Brothers have not broken any new ground here or given us anything worth cheering about with “Burn After Reading”. If anything this movie feels like a contractual obligation or a second thought. The witty and unique style you have come to expect from these talented film makers is nowhere to be seen in this short one and a half hour experiment in comedy violence.

Normally having great actors like Francis McDormand, George Clooney and John Malcovich in a film guarantees a certain level of enjoyment (even in bad movies) but none of these seasoned veterans could make this film any more likable. Their characters and performances seem familiar and recycled from previous roles that made them the distinct stars they are today. All of the actors involved with “Burn” over act in each of their scenes, and not in the campy fun way you would hope for.

I wish that the Coen Brothers would just stick to riveting crime films and intriguing character studies about odd people. Every time these guys come out with a screwball comedy they gamble and usually lose (”The Hudsucker Proxy” anyone?). But when the Brothers hit a home run a great movie like “Raising Arizona” or “Oh Brother Where Art Thou” is made. At the very least it’s worth watching each of their new films (even a bomb like this) just to get that one great classic that reminds you of their talents. Unfortunately “Burn After Reading” is a throw away comedy and should go down as one of the famous duo’s worst movies to date.