The Ladykillers DVD Review:

Renting a room from an elderly, church-going widow called Mrs. Muson (Hall), Professor Goldthwait Higginson Dorr, Ph.D. (Hanks) enlightened his new landlady to the fact that he and his group of fellow artists would like to convene in her root-cellar to practice their church music. What he didn’t tell her was the fact that his was an elaborate rouse on their part and their nefarious plan was in fact to partake in a sophisticated heist that would relieve the local casino of a large amount of currency. The only slight hindrance to their audacious undertaking is Mrs. Munson’s curiosity.

Remaking an Ealing classic could be considered tantamount to blasphemy by many but in the hands of the illustrious Coen brothers your fears about The Ladykillers should be quickly abated.

More of an homage to the 1955 Alec Guinness, Peter Sellers classic, the film relocates the action from the fog ridden streets of post-war London to modern day Mississippi but keeps the heist and troublesome landlady of the original. The rest is pure Coen brothers filled with elaborate, larger than life characters and a certain kookiness that is their cinematic trademark.

Chief among this peculiar ensemble is Professor Goldthwait Higginson Dorr, Ph.D. played magnificently by Tom Hanks. The Oscar winning actor throws convention to the wind as he breathes life into a character and creates something really special. The Edgar Allan Poe loving gentleman who excels in the art of conversation is a joy to behold as Hanks relentlessly bombards you with classically quotable Coen Brother’s dialogue. Anyone who ever doubted Hanks’ substantial comedic talent should take note, as this powerhouse of hilarity adds more diversity to an already extensive range.

In what could be considered as a rather dubious choice by our esteemed directors, the rest of the ensemble isn’t filled with the usual Coen stalwarts Buscemi, Goodman or Turturro but this shouldn’t deter you from the enjoyment. JK Simmons is a character actor of great skill and he proves this again with his portrayal of Mr Pancake, the group’s explosive expert. His comedic timing is first rate as his character struggles with the gravity of the situation and his IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). The Coen’s also do the impossible by making you think that Marlon Wayans can actually act. His Gawain MacSam, the inside man, is a typical “hippty-hop” character whose persona is all a sham as he true feelings are revealed in the final act. Tzi Ma is a character actor who you always recognise but can never put a name to. His role as The General, the tunnel expert, is extremely funny as this man of little words goes about his business with a clinical efficiency. Ryan Hurst is also good as Lump, the muscle of the team.

Almost stealing the show from the unbelievable Hanks is Irma P. Hall as gospel loving, inquisitive Mrs Munson. This is a character that you should have sympathy for, as she is the victim but because of Hall’s performance you can’t but help but route for the group’s dastardly scheme to succeed. This is a truly irritating character that you just have to despise.

While the Ladykillers isn’t as good as the Coen’s own originally scripted masterpieces, a below average film from them is still far better than most other mainstream fair. With an excellent ensemble and occasional laugh-out-loud moments, this is a heist movie that you cannot help but like as it steals your attention away.

Star Rating = * * * *

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, the transfer is very good, as you’d expect from a modern movie. The picture quality is first rate throughout, showcasing the Coen’s marvellous attention to detail and their picturesque look. The sound is also good with a strong emphasis on dialogue and the surround sound really kicking in during the Gospel songs.

BONUS FEATURES

The Gospel of the Ladykillers (8.07 mins)

Watch the entire performance by the Abbot Kinney Lighthouse Choir with Rose Stone and the Venice Four as they sing ‘Shine on Me’ and ‘Trouble of this World’.

The Slap Real (3.17 mins)

A montage of hand slaps and pillow hits as Irma P Hall tries to teach Marlon Wayans a lesson in Christian values.

Danny Ferrington: The Man behind the Band (11.05 mins)

Star Tom Hanks, writers/directors Joel and Ethan Coen and expert instrument maker Danny Ferrington talk about creating the unusual instruments used in the movie. Danny Ferrington reveals how he designed and constructed instruments like fiddles, mandolin, sackbut and French horn and talks about his career as an instrument maker to the stars like George Harrison, Johnny Cash and Kurt Cobain.

OVERALL

A Coen Brother’s movie deserves a better DVD treatment than this. The lack of even a making of featurette make this a real disappoint for fans of the filmmaking duo. They do appear in the Danny Ferrington piece but this is not enough, as fans will want to know more about the movie and why they decided to remake an Ealing classic. The presentation of the movie is very good however but this is not enough to appease Coen Brothers fans.

DVD Star Rating = * *

Jamie Kelwick

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