It is not the blockbuster the (Coen) brothers hanker after, and it is not going to be a critical success, but, for me, it is the best comedy they have managed.

| Jan 9, 2018

Some wicked pleasures for mature teens and adults.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 28, 2010

The Ladykillers is small and compact -- it doesn't kill, it's just a doodle -- but it's a very pleasant cartoon for grown-ups. It's some sweet fodder.

| Aug 18, 2007

While being far from the Coens' finest hour, it remains more intelligent and ambitious than most of what currently passes for Hollywood mainstream comedy.

| Jun 24, 2006

A lukewarm live-action Loony Tunes cartoon.

| May 4, 2005

| Original Score: 2/5 | Mar 6, 2005

It's both lowdown and effete, a jamboree of whoopee jokes and sick wit.

Full Review | Aug 7, 2004

Everybody in and around this movie is trying too hard.

Full Review | Aug 1, 2004

Even a less-than-spec Coen movie is a good deal better than the aimless, guileless pap cranked out by mere mortals.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 3, 2004

It is neither terrible nor terrific, just... unnecessary.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 22, 2004

There's the mind-numbing oompah rhythm of every gag telegraphed and every joke pounded into the ground.

Full Review | Mar 30, 2004

Most of this stuff isn't worthy of the Farrelly brothers, let alone the Coen brothers.

Full Review | Mar 29, 2004

It's the Coens being flashy instead of truly funny, and much of the problem stems from Hanks' bizarrely over-the-top performance.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Mar 28, 2004

It is a lively, pitch black comedy with blood so dark it could be mistaken for liquid coal.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 27, 2004

The remake -- which could have been shot anywhere and probably was filmed on a studio back lot -- has almost nothing coherent to say about Mississippi, though it does recycle a few cliches.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Mar 27, 2004

Structured like a Mad magazine parody where there's a promised joke in each frame. It doesn't add up to a movie.

| Mar 27, 2004

Should give just about everyone who sees it a few laughs. But it will appeal most strongly to viewers who think Tom Hanks, who plays a thief and a potential murderer, can do no wrong.

Full Review | Mar 26, 2004

Although The Ladykillers is a skillfully executed caper movie, the fun lies not in its mechanics but in its characterizations, especially Hanks's and Hall's, and especially when they're together.

Full Review | Mar 26, 2004

Those seeking a quirky and clever comedy should hightail it to The Ladykillers forthwith.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 26, 2004

Not quite top-drawer Coen Bros., but good enough to make you wish it were, The Ladykillers is a case of being grateful for small pleasures.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 26, 2004