Review of Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007) by Dylan T — 27 Oct 2009
Desperate men do desperate things. "Before the Devil" takes that cliche to the extreme, however, as Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke's characters, at the end of their respective ropes financially and otherwise, commit a heinous crime that goes terribly wrong. The unraveling of their lives, as well as those around them, that ensues, is cringingly compelling. You can't help but watch.
Hoffman is excellent as the disturbed and disturbing big brother who coerces his squishy, impressionable younger brother (Hawke) into carrying out a heist for which he's not really equipped. Neither are prepared to deal with the unbelievable consequences, however.
The downward spiral of the brothers threatens to become laughable toward the end, and there are more than a few darkly humorous moments.
This movie gives maximum entertainment, but don't expect to feel better about the human condition at the closing credits.
This review of Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007) was written by Dylan T on 27 Oct 2009.
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead has generally received very positive reviews.
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