"Burn After Reading," the new film written and directed by the Coen brothers premiered last Friday, but was it a worthy enough to follow their Academy Award winner for Best Picture last year? Absolutely. "Burn After Reading" is certainly a comedy, but don't go in expecting something straightforward or another "Raising Arizona." Although this film is filled with A-list actors, no one is acting in their usual typecast role. From the government agents of sub-par intelligence, to the "Hardbodies Gym" workers, everyone is basically a cartoon character come to life. The film's actors steal the show, and their immersion into their roles is reminiscent of the Coen's last film, "No Country For Old Men." Brad Pitt's portrayal of a gym employee is definitely the high point of the film. Though he plays possibly the smallest role of all the main characters, he finds a way to light up the screen, while teaching the audience a few new dance moves in the process. As the film begins, we see a CIA analyst lose his job and soon start to realize things aren't that great at home either. As the plot thickens several storylines become entwined. When several athletic trainers stumble across a disc full of, as Brad Pitt's character calls it, "sensitive stuff," one of his fellow trainers sees a golden opportunity to finance her cosmetic surgery. In a plot full of deception and adultery, the Coen brothers take some time for a little unexpected action. Soon, what little intelligence several of the characters possessed are replaced by paranoia which gives the audience something to laugh about. As the film draws to a close, the characters begin to realize the consequences of what they actually did. So is "Burn After Reading" the must-see blockbuster people were expecting? For any Coen Brothers fans or comedic fan, this film is definitely worth seeing at least once.
Burn After Reading
Starring:Brad PittGeorge ClooneyFrances McDormandJohn MalkovichTilda Swinton
Rated:R
Directed by:Joel and Ethan Coen
Evan's rating:,/b> 3 stars out of 4
Roger Ebert's rating:3 stars out of 4
rottentomatoes:79 percent fresh
t&c;
