Before the Devil Knows Youre Dead

[Invisible Man]

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[snookumsnort]

One word comes to mind when viewing this movie: dysfunctional. As in, extremely dysfunctional. Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke play brothers whose individual circumstances drive them to financial troubles. As a solution, they decide to rob a "mom and pop" jewellry store...literally, a "mom and pop" one, their own. But when the robbery is botched, the brothers crumble and so does everyone around them leading to an ending that is as dysfunctional as their scheme.

The actors are extremely talented. Phillip Seymour Hoffman proves himself Oscar-worthy in almost every movie I've seen him in since he won it and this one is no exception. Albert Finney, Ethan Hawke, and Marissa Tomei are stellar in their acting as well. It's as if they draw on each other's energy and really got into their characters.

However, their talent is wasted on a so-so screenplay. The plot is unique but the movie lacks "oomph". Everything was just all right, like a student just trying to pass a test. If you're renting the movie, it's not entirely a waste of money. Just don't expect anything great.

[moo6]

Im not really a sucker for flicks without good plots, however you stating that it is dysfunctional does make me wonder a little bit. If you gave it a grade like in school what would it be?

[snookumsnort]

Maybe a C+, B at best. I don't think you can go wrong with this movie. It's just that with so many films coming out these days that wow me, this somehow falls short. It seems to be one of those movies that you're either the type to like it or not. Check it out though if there's nothing on your queue that you've been waiting this long to watch.