Review of The Ladykillers (2004) by Aaron N — 04 Oct 2008
Professor G.H. Dorr: You, madam, are addressing a man, who is in fact quiet... and yet, not quiet, if I may offer to you a riddle.
One of the few misfires by the Coen Brothers. This film is a remake of the 1955 dark comedy of the same name, which retains the basic plot and structure of that film, but has its characters play it up way over-the-top, making it too cartoony to feel like something better.
Tom Hanks is strangely cast as the criminal mastermind who rents a room from an old woman, played by Irma P. Hall, which is located in a house situated in a spot perfect for a heist. The other members of Hank's criminal crew include Marlon Wayans and JK Simmons.
Once the crew pulls off the heist, they must then deal with the old lady, for she knows more than she should. Problems arise when they have trouble dealing with how to get rid of her.
As mentioned, the problem with this movie is how ridiculous the characters are. Coen Brothers movies always contain characters who are dimmer than their situations require, but this is too much and not very fitting with the film.
These things being said, the movie does have funny moments, mainly involving the relation between Wayans and Simmons characters.
Gawain MacSam: You brought your bitch to the Waffle Hut?
This review of The Ladykillers (2004) was written by Aaron N on 04 Oct 2008.
The Ladykillers has generally received mixed reviews.
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