★★★ The Ladykillers (2005)

[Gino: 3.0]

I am a fan of the way that the Coen brothers make films that simultaneously parady and pay homage to distinctly American characters and settings. It's clear that they have a real love for the characters, even as they have fun at their expense. This film had a look to it similar to O' Brother Where Art Though, even though I think this one was inferior to that film. But it was entertaining most of the way through. Tom Hanks creates a really strange but endearing character, and there are some funny bits, particularly those provided by J.K. Simmons and his interactions with Marlon Wayans. Not gripping cinema, but enjoyable.