The #1 movie over the past weekend (9/12-9/14) was the Coen Brothers’ follow-up to their Oscar-winning movie, No Country for Old Men.  Burn After Reading was a violent black comedy that took in $19,128,001 and became the highest grossing movie for them in their careers.  I personally loved the movie…but it may be that I really enjoy R-rated black comedies (I’m twisted that way.)  It reminded me a little of their 1996 Oscar-nominated comedy Fargo in tone (which, probably not by coincidence, stars Reading’s Frances McDormand…Joel Coen’s wife.)  Will it achieve the lofty Oscar praise that Fargo received (or some leftover praise of Old Men)?  I doubt it, but there are some standout performances.  Brad Pitt is a riot as McDormand’s personal trainer co-worker who encourages her blackmailing exploits (you’ll just have to see the movie to catch my drift.)  John Malkovich is also a standout as the recently demoted CIA analyst with a foul mouth, a foul temper, and a serious drinking problem.  My girlfriend loved it (she thinks that Pitt is adorable in the movie)…until one of the characters meets an untimely end (I don’t want to spoil it for you…so I won’t.)  I recommend it if you are a fan of any of the actors (Pitt, McDormand, Malkovich, George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, etc.) or the Coens’ sick sense of humor. (more…)