O Brother, Where Art Thou? MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -2 1/2

In this Coen brothers comedy set in the 1920s, three convicts - Everett Ulysses McGill (George Clooney), Pete Hogwallop (John Turturro), and Delmar ODonnel (Tim Blake Nelson) - escape their chain gang in search of the loot Everett hid away after his last crime. After cutting off their chains and barely escaping the law, the trio sets off on an odyssey that leads them into contact with plenty of strange sorts, both friendly and not so friendly. The criminals meet a young guitarist named Tommy Johnson (Chris Thomas King) and record a country song together that might be better than any of them would even imagine. They also run into an overbearing Bible salesman, Big Dan Teague (John Goodman), who falls into the not so friendly category. But time is of the essence since the money is hidden at Everetts house, soon to be at the bottom of a lake due to a new dam being built in the area. Original, sharp, and witty, O BROTHER exhibits a creative take on the classic story of Ulysses. While a bit off the beaten path, this film is sure to attract moviegoers looking for something new and fresh.

Although the three main characters are escaped convicts, none of them comes off as particularly dangerous or mean. They all seem repentant of the things theyve done, and two of them even get saved in a Christian baptismal service. However, none of this can be taken too seriously since this is a comedy, and most of the events come in a light-hearted manner. This also includes a KKK rally that portrays the participants as good God-fearing Protestants. Other religious overtones with questionable presentation include a hypocritical Bible salesman and plenty of talk about salvation and redemption. One scene has sexual overtones as the trio comes upon three tempting sirens who are more than they seem. One of the women reveals a glimpse of near nudity through her wet clothes, but nothing sexual is shown. Several scenes show violent acts, although the most severe scenes involve cows and not people. Sadly, this light-hearted comedy is filled with crude language and Gods name used in vain many times. This vulgar language should preclude discerning viewers from looking for O BROTHER.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: Buena Vista (Touchstone/Disney), 500 S. Buena Vista, Burbank, CA 91521