Review of Burn After Reading (2008) by Shawn E — 20 May 2012

Once again, as is typical of their career, the Coen Brothers follow up what is considered to be a masterpiece with a completely ridiculous outing. 'Burn After Reading' marks another return to the zany, ridiculous humor that the Coens seem to enjoy so very much. Unlike their two comedic failures 'Intolerable Cruelty' and 'The Ladykillers', 'Burn After Reading' doesn't resort to cheap gags or crude jokes to masquerade as humor. Its ensemble cast of beautiful people acting very stupidly is reminiscent of 'The Big Lebowski'. While this movie doesn't reach the level of comic genius of that particular film, it is still incredibly funny and very enjoyable. Like that movie, the reason this film works so successfully is the full embrace of such well-written characters by another fabulous cast. Everyone is top-notch here with Brad Pitt delivering one of his most hilarious performances yet.

All in all, I couldn't be more thrilled that the Coens seem to get a kick out of confounding everyone by following up a masterpiece with something so lighthearted and silly. This may not be the best Coen Brothers film, but it's far from the worst.