Review of The Ladykillers (2004) by Matthew B — 07 Jan 2011

I have never seen the original Alexander Mackendrick film upon which this Coen Brothers work is based, but it is clear from the outset that they were not trying to merely mimic a 1950s British comedy. The results are a mixed bag.

In one sense, the film benefits from the setting in the Deep South with all its cultural idiosyncrasies (which the filmmaking duo tackled much more eloquently in O Brother, Where Art Thou?). Irma P. Hall's tough-as-nails performance as Marva Munson is aces; her character is both fearsome and lovable, and she never runs the risk of descending into Uncle Remus territory.

Tom Hanks's hilarious performance as Professor G.H. Dorr is far from believable (dissimilarly), but the character is so serpentine and charmingly iniquitous that it works magnificently ("You, madam, are addressing a man, who is in fact quiet.

..and yet, not quiet, if I may offer to you a riddle"). J.K. Simmons, Tzi Ma, and Ryan Hurst are all superb as the eclectic group of casino-robbers. The casting of Marlon Wayans (and the accompanying noise on the soundtrack) could be considered a mistake; he certainly brings a unique persona to the cast (and the Waffle Hut scene - with Mountain Girl - is uproariously obscene), and his interactions with Simmons's Garth Pancake are very enjoyable.

For a Coen Brothers masterwork, turn to Fargo; for a plainly charming little black comedy, turn to The Ladykillers.