By Kofi Outlaw

Every now and again I like to do a little cheerleading for movies I feel are not on your radar like they should be. Today I have two fantastic-looking movies that (unless they were at Cannes this year) still have people going “huh?” when mentioned. A quick rant about them:

The first film is the latest offering from the Cohen Brothers (BIG LEBOWSKI, RAISING ARIZONA) entitled NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. It’s a thriller about a man (Josh Brolin) who discovers $2 million amidst some dead drug dealers and tries to run with the money, only to be pursued by a psychopathic killer. Actor Javier Bardem (BEFORE NIGHT FALLS) is already generating Oscar buzz for his portrayal of said psychopath. Check out NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN:


The second is the latest film from director Paul Thomas Anderson (BOOGIE NIGHTS, MAGNOLIA) entitled THERE WILL BE BLOOD. The stars acting phenom Daniel Day Lewis as a self-made oil tycoon who follows a tip to a small California town where a young preacher (Paul Dano, a.k.a. that kid from the beginning of TAKING LIVES) rules the will of the people. As oil is discovered, and fortunes struck, conflict ensues and THERE WILL BE BLOOD:


I like NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN because it reminds me of one of the Cohen Brothers’ first films, 1985’s BLOOD SIMPLE, which might be one of best crime-drama/suspense films ever. Early reviews of ‘OLD MEN have definitely echoed that sentiment. THERE WILL BE BLOOD has one sure ace up its sleeve: Daniel Day Lewis. Looking at the trailer, I can say that I haven’t seen Lewis go method like this since GANGS OF NEW YORK. Expect him to turn in an Oscar-worthy performance as usual.

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN will be released on Nov. 9, THERE WILL BE BLOOD is slated for Dec. 26. Rant back and thank me for giving you 411, or perhaps chastise me for wasting five minutes of your life.