Ok...I know this movie got raves from a lot of critics. My opinion differs considerably. I love the Coen Brothers. I've seen all their movies. When I heard they were coming out with this movie, I couldn't wait. Imagine my disappointment when I found nothing in this film that even resembled Raising Arizona, The Hudsucker Proxy, Barton Fink, Fargo, Oh Brother Where Art Thou? Instead of a well written, clever screenplay soaked in satire, I found almost continuous gratuitous violence. This isn't to say some gratuitous violence is bad. Quentin Tarentino has a way of almost making it downright enjoyable. I loved Pulp Fiction. But the Coens are not Quentin Tarentino.

Why did the the Coens virtually abandon a winning formula? This film, although well-made, does not make me want to go back and see it again. Whenever I get the chance, I go back and see most of their other movies. I can't resist seeing Fargo again or Oh Brother Where Art Thou?. I can't see this film going down in history as one of the great movies. Do we really need to see how increasing dehumanization is numbing our minds? Do we really want to see people who have little or no respect for life blow other people's brains out? If that's what you want, this movie is for you. People are blown to bits every few minutes and for no good reason. Have I missed the message? If there is a message in this film, it must be...don't trust anyone...keep a gun under the counter...sleep with one eye on your door.

The only reason to see this film is to witness a couple of people who experience their breakthrough roles in it. Josh Brolin is magnificent and should find himself quite busy after this performance. Javier Bardem plays the killer with only one thing on his mind...get back his drug money...and kill as many people as necessary and a few that aren't necessary.  I can't recommend this film.