“No Country For Old Men”

Three of four suns

The opening scene from this film is watching Javier Bardem (“Collateral,” 1994) strangle a police officer to death with his handcuffs.

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“No Country” was one of the most alarming and depressing movies I have seen.

Bardem is outrageous with his character’s lack of concern for human life. He is joined by Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin (“The Mod Squad,” 1999) who are both wonderful, but are definitely outshined by his sheer disquieting demeanor.

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I have to say, however, it kept my interest because of the sheer disgust of witnessing this monster tear through about 30 bodies. There is also something to be said about style here. “No Country” is a very horrific film that achieves greatness without using slasher techniques. There were no people in masks popping out from behind couches. It was more like just watching this disturbing person toy with people’s lives.

When I was watching this film, I could not quite figure out what was wrong for the first 10 minutes. Then I realized, the movie does not have a soundtrack. The only sounds you hear are the dialogue and the background noise. It makes for a really interesting experience.

Written and directed by the great Cohen brothers, who were responsible for the likes of “The Big Lebowski” (1998), and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” (2000), “No Country” is one step up. It is dark without being too obvious and just like their other movies, it is chock-full of hidden meaning.

Watch for the last scene when Jones is talking about his dream; it is heavy but exceedingly appropriate.

“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”

Three of four suns

I think one mistake everyone makes now and then is to read a book right before the movie is released. That was my problem with the fifth installment of the Potter franchise.

Unfortunately, what happens is as you’re watching it, you realize what was left out and suddenly the story is not what you think it should be.

I will say this, I believe that J.K. Rowling is a genius; she took the “great idea” theory all the way to the bank. Who does not dream about that?

Also we have to respect a woman who is in her 40s and can tell a story from the view of an adolescent boy ” serious talent. I do not think I could even write as an adolescent girl.

“The Man Who Wasn’t There” (2001)

In my opinion one of the most creative movies of the decade, “Wasn’t There” is a Coen brothers classic. Shot in black and white, it has a real old West feel, with an extremely morbid theme. Plus it is Billy Bob Thornton’s best performance, hands down.

To be a Coen brothers fan, you must watch this film. Up for Best Director (Joel Coen) at Cannes, it is worth the time.