A Serious Man (Nominated for Best Picture)

Bless this serious man’s heart. Larry Gopnik, played by Michael Stuhlbarg has everything going wrong for him and if you’re familiar with the Coen brothers you aren’t surprised. If you’re a fan of these two brothers you’ll probably like “A Serious Man”, but I’m not a fan.

For me dark comedy is such an oxymoron…I don’t ever see the comedy, just the dark. Oscar on the other hand tends to nod in dark comedy’s direction. Especially, when done by the Coen Brothers; think “Fargo”, “Barton Fink” and, now, “A Serious Man”, which is nominated for Best Picture.

“A Serious Man” is appropriately rated R for language, some sexuality/nudity and brief violence.

Because of the last 6 minutes of the film, I’m going to give “A Serious Man” a little credit. At the end of the film, Larry, who's at a horrible time in his life, has a character defining decision to make while no one is looking. When it comes time for Larry to make the decision, you may start thinking, “Dude, you’re in a tough spot. Just make the compromise, no one will know.” Or will you be pleading with him, “Larry, don’t do it! You’ll know and that’s all that matters.” Unfortunately, to “be” in that moment with him, you'll have to experience the first 99 minutes of the movie. So, I recommend you WALK slowly to “A Serious Man” for a personal character analysis OR save 99 minutes and simply ask yourself, “What am I characterized by when no one is watching?”

Rating for "A Serious Man" = * ½ WALK slowly

This Movie R.A.N.’s Rating System:
*****RACE To This Movie = Amazing/Oscar Worthy
****RUN To This Movie = Great
***JOG To This Movie = Good
**WALK To This Movie = So-So
*SKIP PAST This Movie = Bad