June 14, 2001 -
We are lucky to be alive in a time where we can enjoy Coen Brothers films as they're unleashed. Even when they miss the mark (Barton Fink, The Hudsucker Proxy) their films are inventive, technically unmatched, and still better than most everything else around.

This film marked a great career decision for George Clooney and while it baffled a great deal of viewers, it also showcased a new side of the actor and allowed the filmmaking duo to further stretch their artistic freedoms.

I mean, who ELSE would rework Homer's 'The Odyssey' into a hillbilly piece?

The Movie

	"What were arrested for, Mr. Clooney?" "Batman and Robin."

Imagine if you will a Depression era world where sirens, cyclops, and a heroic Ulysses can exist alongside moonshine, chain gangs, and the Klu Klux Klan.

	"Keep Jan DeBont the hell away from me!"

Then imagine great music (and legendary guitar icon Robert Johnson), great visuals (D.P. Roger Deakins utilized a new digital colorization process on the film), and the traditional blend of Coen wit and unpredictability (subplots about hair oil and bullet ridden livestock?!?).

	A Klandestine operation.

Actually, DON'T imagine it, because it's all here.

	"Um... is that GHIDRAH?"

Our three heroes (Clooney, Coen staple John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson) go on a quest for treasure after escaping their chain gang lives, and their journey (as was the path of Homer's protagonist) takes them through such an odd and fun assortment of characters that it's hard not to have fun even though the whole thing is ludicrous in ways Raising Arizona never dared to be.

	The star of the new summer event film... FROGGER.

A lot of people were baffled by this film, and in some respects it's understandable. It takes a very screwball approach, and has no fear in moving from real history, myth, and tongue in cheek theatrics to an epic feel, or even a touching drama from scene to scene. Unlike Fargo, The Big Lebowski, or even Miller's Crossing (Their masterpiece), this film revels in its ability to do whatever it wants and it has a very adept and game cast to execute for it.

	And another proud member is added to THE NATION'S PUNCHED.

It's great to see Clooney in a role that has nothing to do with his sex appeal or charm. He's a completely different man here, more concerned with his Dapper Dan pomade than most anything else (and it's funny as hell too) and it makes me wonder just where his limitations lie. While he's surrounded by greatness (Tim Blake Nelson almost steals the show), Clooney is a revelation here. He's the real deal.

	This siren really blows!

So, if an askew mixture of hillbilly crusade, Greek epic, and screwball comedy doesn't appeal to you, steer clear. Anyone willing to accept the Coen's challenge step up and enjoy a fresh and fun flick.

	A scene from the prequel for DRIVEN.

8 out of 10

	From the listing: "A perfect place to raise a family... and battle Deadites."

The Video

The process Deakins used (mentioned above) lends the film a parched and somewhat bland (a mix of black and white and color) look to the film that some may confuse with a poor presentation.

Not the case at all, with the resulting look of the film being unique and nostalgic in all the right ways. Coupled with the Coen's visual flair, it's a sight to behold.

	The rare and elusive Loch Ness Mongrel.

That said, the Anamorphic transfer is IMPECCABLE. Gorgeous on all my screens (including the laptop), and a showcase that ANY kind of film benefits from TLC.

9 out of 10

The Audio

I love this! DTS and 5.1 together is NEVER bad. Add to that the fact that this film has GREAT old fashioned music (the "Man of Constant Sorrow" song Clooney and gang sing is a blast) and some creative usage of sound FX editing. It comes through with perfection and I have no reservations recommending this as a demo DVD for folks at Circuit City and Hi Fi Buys. It's crystalline and sexy as hell.

The rating below doesn't come often from me, as you know...

10 out of 10

The Extras

There's a nice featurette (too short, but still good), a really nice featurette on the new color process, three script - storyboard - scene examples (for use with the angle button), and the video for the song mentioned above (all footage from the film).

For a Coen DVD, it's loaded.

Otherwise, a little on the threadbare side.

We deserve a commentary from these guys. We NEED a commentary from these guys.

So, while the above features are solid there's always that "what if" aspect to the matters at hand.

5 out of 10

The Movie Coen Magic. 8 The Video So close to perfection you can smell a 10. 9 The Audio Heaven. 10 The Extras Good, but lacking the BIG feature it needs. 5 Overall Score (not an average) 9