Today’s quick review: The Ladykillers. Professor G.H. Dorr (Tom Hanks), a smooth-talking criminal, worms his way into the house of Marva Munson (Irma P. Hall), a elderly Christian widow. Dorr and his quartet of accomplices (Marlon Wayans, J.K. Simmons, Tzi Ma, and Ryan Hurst) plan to use Mrs. Munson’s basement to tunnel into a casino’s cash room and make off with a fortune. The only question left is what to do with Mrs. Munson when the job is done.
The Ladykillers is a crime comedy from the Coen Brothers. The Ladykillers brings together a quirky ensemble cast for an ill-fated heist under the nose of an unsuspecting old lady. The movie features colorful characters, a sprinkling of slapstick, and a great foil for the thieves in Marva Munson. However, its peculiar style of comedy lacks the subtlety of the Coen Brothers’ best work, and its more overt gags aren’t strong enough to carry the film.
The Ladykillers takes a long time to warm up. The mechanics of the heist are straightforward, but the movie spends over an hour setting up. Given the character-focused comedy, the back-loaded story shouldn’t be a problem, but the characters never quite click. Dorr’s accomplices are one-note characters, while Dorr himself is too wordy to have much impact. The only clear hit is Mrs. Munson, a strict but kind-hearted woman who earns the viewer’s sympathy.
Try The Ladykillers when you’re in the mood for a caper with an edge to it. The movie fills the niche of a light but not wholly innocent crime comedy. However, its middling execution makes it an easy one to skip. For a more successful effort from the Coen Brothers, check out O Brother, Where Art Thou? or Burn After Reading. For a heist comedy with a more uplifting tone, check out Going in Style.
6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for decent comedy with an odd tone and pacing.