Review of Leaves of Grass (2009) by Pete L — 08 Oct 2011

âHow is it possible that you are so brilliant and so monumentally selfishly ignorant at the same time?!â?

This had a pretty limited release, but given more promotion it could have done well in theaters.

Plot: An Ivy League professor at Brown University named Bill is called back to his rural Oklahoma hometown because of news that his pot dealing identical twin brother has been killed in a drug deal gone awry. Upon returning home Bill learns that his brother Brady is in fact alive and well and Bill becomes caught up in Bradyâ(TM)s plan to take down the local drug lord as well as many other things.

Written and directed by actor Tim Blake Nelson (O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Holes, The Incredible Hulk, Heavy Weights), who also stars, Leaves of Grass is hilarious, but itâ(TM)s not just a comedy but a philosophical drama as well. It should be a favorite for those interested in English Literature and Philosophy . featuring an all-star cast including Richard Dreyfuss, Susan Sarandon, Keri Russell, and even Danny DeVitoâ(TM)s daughter, who by the way is hysterical. Edward Norton is fantastic, playing two completely different characters, the studious and uptight Bill and the easy going Brady. I enjoyed Norton as Brady the most. Heâ(TM)s absolutely hilarious, from his accent to his mannerisms.

Excellent character development. This is one of those movies where by the end you can see that the characters have changed in some way due to the events. I kind of felt that the big question this movie was asking was; why do so many people have to die over marijuana? It is obvious that Tim Blake Nelson is for the legalization of it. Something I didnâ(TM)t expect was the scenes of violence. It all starts at the beginning of the third act and it goes from a light hearted comedy/crime to a serious crime/drama. It gets a little bloody but still manages to throw a few more laughs in. And thatâ(TM)s really where my only problem lies, the third act. Itâ(TM)s still good but it just doesnâ(TM)t seem like the first two acts. Still an overlooked movie that needs to be seen. Iâ(TM)m just amazed I stumbled on it at Block Buster in a 4 for $20 deal. Total score: 8.1/10.