I must admit that this movie had a few strikes against it, before I ever sat down to watch it.

First off, it is directed by the Coen brothers. I have seen my fair share of their movies (Raising Arizona, Hudsucker Proxy, Fargo) and seem to always wonder what’s the big-deal about their movies. Sure, I liked Miller’s Crossing, Blood Simple, and Barton Fink, but I certainly wouldn’t recommend any of the other titles I listed. Each one seems to have grown a cult following, yet, I can’t really understand why.

Secondly, Tommy Lee Jones is one of the main actors. Could there be a more stiff, dull actor? Maybe Gary Cooper in his hey-day, but even Mr. Cooper seemed to possess a quiet charisma that seems totally lacking in Mr. Jones’ deadpan, monotone, uninspired portrayals of ho-hums.

Thirdly, the film won the best picture category in last year Academy Awards, plus a slew of other awards. The Academy has made some questionable calls in recent years in my opinion: A Beautiful Mind won out over Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring, Chicago beat out Gangs of New York, and Billion Dollar Baby knocked out The Aviator.

So, I reluctantly rented No Country for Old Men with really low expectations.

Yet, I was pleasantly surprised. I was riveted to the screen. The movie was definitely one of the best films of last year. It centers around three very different characters. Sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) who plays an ultra good-guy lawman, Anton Chigurh (the eerie Javier Bardem) who is evil personified, demonic, creepy-cool, and Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) an average-joe who stumbles upon a lost fortune and gets caught between the cross hairs of the two other men. Yet, throughout the movie the characters rarely interact with one another, like 3 tiny atoms spinning around a giant (empty) partical accelarator, whirling faster and faster and closer and closer, yet never seeming to touch each other.

This movie is not for the faint-of-heart, it starts out with a violent and brutal death, and continues to rack up the body count of both people and animals as quickly as you can count them. However, the story combines elements of crime drama, a cat-and-mouse thriller, an old-time film noir, a western, a horror film, car chases, suspense, and a few other genres thrown into the blender for good measure.

The barren land of Texas, empty, dusty, parched, and lonely takes on a personality all it’s own, and nicely matches the overall tone of the film. And, the acting and direction is sure-handed and compact. Not a frame is wasted, and even a small cameo for Woody Harrelson makes one wonder “why don’t we see more of him, anymore in the movies? He’s a pretty decent actor, after all.”

Maybe I shouldn’t be so hard on the Coen brothers, maybe I should give old Tommy Lee another chance. Then again, maybe I will just re-rent No Country for Old Men and marvel at what a really great film it is, that is, as long as I remember not to eat any popcorn before I sit down to this dark, stomach-turning blood bath.

A few weeks ago a co-worker asked a group of us if we wanted to particpate in "movie night". She brought in the documentary, King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters and we projected it onto a screen. It was a really enjoyable experience, to be in a work-setting with people who I work with day-in and day-out, and hear them laughing out loud and commenting on the movie. This simple act reminded me why going to the movies is truly more enriching than watching them at-home, all alone -- movie theaters, provide the fascinating experience of allowing yourself to fall into the film, while at the same time, being "brought back to reality" every time someone else moves, some pop corn is munched, or a stray giggle or gasp is emitted (but all this is besides the point).

King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters is a documentary that follows two main characters as they battle each other to become the best at Donkey Kong, the old-school video arcade game. The story focuses on two very different personalities: Billy Mitchell, the slick, dapper, almost-corporate, world-renown (in some circles) penultimate champion of the game -- and Steve Wiebe, the underdog, guy-next-door, family-man, unknown who rises to the ocassion to challenge the reigning world record holders.

I won’t give away too much of the movie, but I will say that the film is set up as good vs. evil, insider vs. outsider, tragicomedy that has a sweet way of pulling you in, and holding you within it’s grasp. I found myself holding onto my seat, more-so than many action/thrillers.

Unfortunately, this movie is no longer showing at the theater, otherwise, I would recommend you rush out and see it. But, if you are looking for a good time with the family, or friends, you will not be disappointed by this little gem.

Thanks Kathy for introducing me to this one.