The Ladykillers (2004)

Very well executed

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.

I found this movie in certain parts to be an absolute riot. I think Tom Hanks did a great job in this film, and the dialogue he used was just great and he played a great character. However my favorite character in the film was Garth Pancake, that part was cast perfectly and that character was hysterical. Everything he said that was the "easiest thing in the world" was actually really hard and ended up crashing down and blowing up in there face and it was a laugh riot. It's been a while since I had a good laugh and this film gave me a couple good laughs and I'm glad to have gotten them. The only character I did not like was the Wayne's brother he wasn't needed he added nothing and did nothing, but cuss and act out. The rest of the characters and cast were all done really well.

Well, my Momma always told me if ya don't got anything nice to say about something then don't say anything at all... That's about it with this one other than I really tried to get into the movie enjoying spirit to no avail... But then again I have seen it again and again... That one man's trash is another man's gold! I think the characters were starving for a meatier script perhaps... And too much reliance on old Mamma character. Perhaps someone other than Tom Hanks for THIS particular role. And mabey a good crack of the whip by the director for a speedier tempo! Honzarelli

The Ladykillers is an eccentric film but very heavy on humor and witty dialogue. It's a shame people didn't like this as much as I did, because I was just howling in laughter throughout the entire film especially at the slapstick and extremely sharp dialogue. This is certainly a Coen Brothers film, perhaps not their greatest, but still a wonderful addition to their filmography.The Coen Brothers directed a film about how a man named Professor Dorr assembles a team of criminals to rob a casino by creating a tunnel in the basement of an old lady. But when she suspects something, they all agree she must be terminated.I never thought I would like a film that would pair up Tom Hanks and Marlon Wayans. But there have been weirder things in life and they ended doing well together. Hanks, of course is a genius actor and was really funny. Wayans was a little annoying, but was funny for the most part. J.K Simmons was easily the best of Tom's criminal gang and his one-liners are hilarious. Finally, Irma Hall was excellent with a fluid comedic performance. Hippity-Hop music, anyone? Overall, The Ladykillers is a genius film directed by a talented pair of brothers. This is not their best, but this is prime entertainment and I was very amused throughout the film. Lots of witty one-liners is what makes this film so funny. I also must mention Roger Deakin's cinematography skills. The movie was shot very well, especially for a comedy. It sounds like people were expecting perfection, but while not perfect, it's still comedy gold. I rate this film 9/10.

This is one of the Coen Bros movies that always gets passed by or put down though honestly I don't know why. The characters are sharply drawn and while at times nearly slap-stick-like, they are still hilarious. Irma Hall as Marva Munson is just priceless ... having done yard work for many older widows when I was young, she is not too far from many of the ladies I worked for ("You don't want to be tested and found wanting" just cracked me up as I had heard it and many other Biblical quips from these women - some that I probably should have heeded far more often) ... they were dear sweet ladies but they were not to be trifled with on any level. Gives me a smile to think of them still, however, as they were so devoted to their god. Her "bitch slapping" of Marlon Wayons character for using "hippity-hoppity" language in her "Christian home" is an accurate portrayal of the ladies I knew when you took the Lord's name in vain.The other characters are just as funny. Tom Hanks' portrayal of the Southern professor gives the academic man a very nice old-time feeling and his continual, literary line of b.s. won't fail to bring a smile to your face while Tzi Ma's character, "The General", handles a couple of would-be robbers in a way we would all hope to and one that leaves the criminals wanting to be sure. J.K. Simmons (best known for his recent role in TV's "The Closer") character's ("Garth Pancake") sincere and continuous explanations of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS, or as Marlon Wayons asks, "You be what?") and his devotion to Mountain Girl are quite funny and sweet in a very odd way.But oddity is the watchword of these characters. They are all misfits yet all fit as a unit, give or take for a time or two. Of course, as you watch the film you'll start to notice that their numbers dwindle slow and sure as greed and opportunity allow one after the other to be eliminated.Wayons, as some have mentioned, probably is the weak link in this thespian ensemble. He simply doesn't have the skill set the other more experienced actors have but he does what he does to the best of his ability (having seen him in other movies this is his best by far -- Damon is the most talented of the brothers no doubt about it). Ryan Hurst is s surprise as the nearly-mentally numb Lump ... look back at his list of roles and you'll see he really can do much more than stand with his eyes vacuous while all air intake is done so through his gaped maw. As the old saying goes in acting circles, "You have to be smart to play dumb" and I'll say it applies to his performance.The Coen Bros also capture the Baptist (or perhaps the generic "black") church service perfectly. Having been a fan of the black gospel experience (the service, the sermonical delivery, and especially the music), it is a faithful and sweet portrayal of the small church experience and brings back many good memories. Indeed, the music of the movie is one of the best aspects of the movie. From the "Ink Spots"-sound of the song played over the opening credits and Mrs. Munson's original complaint to delightfully-lazy Sheriff Wyner (played deftly by George Wallace who accomplishes the perfect pitch of his character by very nearly using only his eyes) to the church service to even the rap "music" played blends perfectly with each scene it is chosen to accompany.This is one of the forgotten Ceon Bros efforts but take the time and you'll be rewarded.