Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? @ UGC, Ipswich

STARRING: George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, John Goodman, Holly Hunter

VERDICT: A Witty, Wacky and Wonderful film, with great performances and another touching gem from the godlike geniuses that are the Coen Brothers.

The Coen Brothers, in my eyes, are probably the best filmmakers around at the moment, and probably of the last 10-12 years. Many will be unfamiliar with them, but you probably have seen at least one of their amazing films. Naming films like Fargo, The Big Lebowski, Miller's Crossing, Raising Arizona, The Hudsucker Proxy, might ring some bells, but if not then don't worry, as this new release will give you the opportunity to witness the spellbinding way they make movies.

Oh Brother, is a simple film based around the most interesting, complex and original idea for 'donkeys'. It's simply about three convicts on the run from the law, who are after the stolen money they buried before being busted, unfortunately its buried on land which will be underwater in 4 days time, as its been sold to a water company. simple plot, but Oh Brother is a liitle differnet to yer average movie, its set in 1930's America in Mississippi, during the Great Depression and is a 'slapstick' 'screwball' comedy musical. Pleaaase…..don't be put off by the musical bit, its not crap music hall, al la Mary Poppins, its really cool American Blue Grass/Blues, still not convinced…you will be when you see it.

Add to this that the actual story is based on Homer's Odyssey (oh no say all those people who do Classics) but really it's a wonderful story to base a movie on. It's Ulysses' (Clooney) journey to pardon himself from the wrong he has done and on the way he encounters obstacles such as The Cyclops and The Sirens (obviously done in a modern style) meant to block his path to freedom.

Clooney is wonderful as the leader of the chain gang on the run, he's funny, charming and fits the part perfectly. The supporting cast are superb, and although very surreal the film as whole has a fairy tale feel to it, beautifully shot and very touching. It may not sound the perfect 'popcorn and hot dog night at the movies' film, but you have to go and see it. Coen Brother's fans will adore it and those uninitiated will hopefully track down the rest of their films and join the ever-growing fan club.

If you liked this, you'll love:

The Big Lebowski

Raising Arizona 

The Hudsucker Proxy