It takes an actor with a lot of gumption to take on a classic role that was played by the classiest of thespians, Alec Guinness, but Hanks (as G.H. Dorr, Ph.D.) takes to the task with gusto and mostly positive results. In this quirky remake of the 1955 British offering, the setting shifts to Mississippi, where the robbers attempt to burrow from little old lady Mrs. Munson's (Hall) basement to the nearby casino's money room. While Hall is superb and Hanks is often dynamic as he plows through ornate speeches with a wicked laugh, it will depend on your tolerance for flowery language and a mannered Southern drawl whether you think it's melodious or annoying. Overall enjoyable, if uneven effort by the Coen brothers falls a bit short of the original.
Newspaper article from: Contemporary Theatre, Film and Television; 1/1/2006; 806+ words...President, "Extra Credit," The Famous Jett Jackson , The Disney Channel, 2000. Lillian Hathaway, "Moonshine over Harlem," Twice in a Lifetime , PAX and CTV, 2001. Kim Boychuck, "Ladykillers," Blue Murder , Global, 2003.
Newspaper article from: Contemporary Theatre, Film and Television; 1/1/2006; 896+ words...Wind at My Back , CBC, 2001. Audrey Collins, "Secrets and Lies," Wind at My Back , CBC, 2001. Marie Crowley, "Ladykillers," Blue Murder , Global, 2003. Ellen Nolan, "Evaluate This," Doc , PAX, 2003. Dr. Louise Koby, "Re-awakening...
Newspaper article from: Contemporary Theatre, Film and Television; 1/1/2005; 911+ words...The Disney Channel, 1996. "The Night before Christmas," Twice in a Lifetime, PAX and CTV, 2000. Allison Barrow, "Ladykillers," Blue Murder, Global, 2003. Marie, "Chastity," Bliss, Showtime, 2003. Vera, "Ties That Bind," 1 –...