George Clooney, Tim Blake Nelson and John Tuturro in O Brother, Where Art Thou
This is an often-comical account of three small time thieves, played by George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson, on the run after escaping a chain gang in Depression Era Mississippi. George Clooney plays Ulysses Everett McGill, who can talk his way out of just about anything on the spur of the moment. He is constantly worried about keeping his hair appropriately oiled with a specific brand of hair salve and wants nothing more than to reunite with his family. He is still shackled to Pete (John Turturro), who has a temper; and to Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson), who is a bit on the slow side. Ulysses has a natural talent for taking charge and the other two frequently rebel with often-funny results.
In their travels to elude the law and become honest men, they hook up with a traveling guitar man; and "A Man of Constant Sorrow" is born in a little studio where they are paid cash money to record a song. They meet such people as a traveling Bible salesman, played by John Goodman, whose temperament doesn't agree with his profession. They happen on some sexy ladies in a secluded spot and that leads to a whole new set of adventures. They also happen on a revival and mass Baptism. Pete and Delmar are "saved" and more comedy is to follow.
Ulysses finally finds his family, only to discover that his wife is fixing to marry again. She has decided that Ulysses is not a good provider for their children. He sets out to win her back. Through the whole movie you hear the old-time country music. There are cameo appearances by The Whites and Alison Krauss among other Bluegrass greats. In the end of course, good will triumph over evil.
It is a good, clean family movie that you can sit back and have some laughs over.
Reviewed by: Jolene Downs
