MIA CIA
Burn After Reading
Review by Ross Anthony

It sure is nice to see the Coen brothers back in form. I received a lot of emails regarding my critical review of "No Country For Old Men." Thank you all for your feedback and I'm glad you enjoyed that film more than I. In the end, I'm just a moviegoer too, not the final authority, save for what I, myself enjoy. And I enjoy the Coen brothers' wry sense of humor, quirky story-lines and odd awkward dialogue. I'm always eager to see their next picture. "Burn After Reading" entertains! It's fun, it's light (though there are a few deaths) and it strongly compels.

Save for a rather abrupt, not quite climatic end to the picture, there is nearly nothing in this film done poorly. The direction is crisp and alive, the editing sharp, the dialogue punctuated and the acting spot on. The film grabs you immediately and never lets you go. Aside from one weird and way-off "Phillip Glass -like" musical moment during the sailboat & Dad scene, the score is quite powerful. I love the percussion and the level dynamics. The sound mixing of the score is also to be praised -- fills the theatre.

A funny story for funny's story sake. A very strong B+.

-- Books by Author/Illustrator/Speaker Ross Anthony --
Burn After Reading


  • Burn After Reading. Copyright © 2008.
  • Starring George Clooney, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt, Tilda Swinton, Directed by Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Screenplay by Joel Coen, Ethan Coen.

Grade..........................B+ (2.5/4)


chili4 special olympians
power5 ra hforh radiop
Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Monday, 15-Sep-2008 10:47:12 PDT