Finally, the string of bad movies is broken. The Coen brothers once again put together a farce that entertains. The cast of characters is rich and eclectic. They are all unlikeable, yet captivating in their unpleasantness. McDormand, Clooney, Malkovich and Swinton are excellent. The dialog is smart, the story whimsical, but they play it straight and it is quite funny. Brad Pitt is the weakest link, but doesn’t bring down the entire production. I don’t like spoilers, so I won’t give specific examples. Just believe me when I say you won’t look at your local home improvement store in the same light again. I don’t know why good movies are so rare. I think they have earned the luxury of control by their prior successes. They don’t have to play to the lowest common denominator to try to make money. Maybe they have respect for their art and the audience. Maybe a good story and interesting characters is too simple. Whatever the reason may be, I hope the Coens keep making the movies they want. Then I know at least once in awhile I’ll be able to see a really enjoyable movie.