Two Line Reviews - #260

Movie: O Brother! Where Art Thou! (2000)

Plot: Three men escape from prison in search of a treasure that one had looted and saved before going to jail. They meet unforeseen circumstances, play their way out with their smart ways, talent in music & finally end up single-handedly changing the tides of the state elections in Missisippi!

Highlights:

• A film based on a poem couldn't have been made better. The comedy in it is unmistakably good and the Coens prove their mettle.
• The three jail-breakers are the mainstay of this film and carry off the scenes with elan.
• George Clooney, the hairnet maniac, leads the pack with a terrific performance aided nicely by Joh Turturro and the other friend.
• The final scene on the stage is an apt end to this wonderful jolly movie which has its share of nonsensical characters too!
• The song tracks are a huge plus and most of the songs are superbly penned and tuned.

Unadulterated Fun all the way!

Two Line Reviews - #250

Movie: Barton Fink (1991)

Plot: A play-writer from Newyork, after receiving praises from all corners for his fine work, is forced to shift base to Los Angeles in search of Hollywood glory. There in a cheap hotel residence, he makes friends with a insurance agent and also finds difficult to make a story for an adamant producer who already has some story in mind. In the midst of all this confusion, a woman he knows is murdered in his hotel room! Finally, he breaks all his shackles and escapes from his dreaded hollywood dream.

Highlights:

• In one of their early films, Coen brothers shine with this amazing work. The way the film meanders showing the troubles of the director keeps one interested.
• The action of John Turturro. If he played a pleader's role to perfection in Miller's Crossing, his timid role in this film is done with equal conviction.
• The insurance agent friend, producer, drunk former writer - all come up with spontaneous performances that help the realism the film carries.
• The climax, though unrealistic, is one of the film's high points.

A Director-to-be's dreaded tale; Told applaudably!

Two Line Reviews - #249

Movie: Miller's Crossing (1990)

Plot: The mafia boss who controls the town and his heir-to-be get into a tussle on how one of their underpins have to be treated for his fraud act. Opinions differ and the boss's main aide breaks from him and joins the other gang. For others, that's what it looks like. But the man who changes loyalties has his own plans!

Highlights:

• Coen Brothers have made it look beautiful with a quiet flow of action thereby making it unique and it stands different from other acclaimed thug films.
• The aide,Gabriel Byrne who plays the pivotal  role is all class in his underplayed portrayal of Tom Reagen.
• The other loud-mouthed characters add variety ; The Screenplay  with its nice twists and the camera work are of very high standards.
• The scene that takes place at Miller's crossing is so good and the film's title is totally agreeable in that sense.

A gripping tale of mafia politics!