I guess that when the critics’ reviews are so bad, expectations can be set a bit lower (more realistic?). George Clooney directs (while the writing stable includes the Coen brothers) Matt Damon, Julianne Moore and Oscar Isaac (who has arguably the most impressive, although too brief, performance in the film) this story set in the very white suburbs (except for one African-American family), circa late 1950s America. Murder, racism, and betrayal visit this town, and Damon’s family in particular, and things don’t get better for the citizens. The feel of the 1950s setting is impressive, the acting is generally pretty good, but this is a film that only touches the surface of its several theme. You sense the attempt for black comedy was genuine, but the results don’t live up to the plan. Nothing bad, really, just unrealized/underdeveloped story lines.
