Burn After Reading

Following the dramatic masterpiece, "No Country For Old Men", the Coen Brothers return to familiar waters in this silly, yet violent, comedy. The film plays like a cross between "Blood Simple" and Intolerable Cruelty".

Featuring an all-star cast, many of whom are Coen Brother regulars, the film is a twisted tale of cheating spouses, unlikely blackmailers, and inept CIA agents. Frances McDormand, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Tilda Swinton, J.K. Simmons, Richard Jenkins and John Malkovich all seem to be really enjoying themselves as they lie, steal, cheat, and sometimes kill with reckless abandon.

There is no depth to the screenplay. The story is set in motion when a former CIA agent, played by Mr. Malkovich decides to write his memoirs and they end up in the wrong hands. It's all superficial fun (except when 2 major characters are killed) and doesn't ask much of it's audience except to sit back and enjoy the shenanigans. It's fun to watch but 90 minutes later, you'll probably "forget after viewing".