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INTOLERABLE CRUELTY
Released by Universal. Out now to rent or buy.

The Coen Brothers (Ethan and Joel) are probably the finest film-makers working in the industry today and Intolerable Cruelty is one of the smartest movies you’ll see all year. A deliciously funny, supremely witty romantic comedy that plays on all the best elements of screwball comedy.

George Clooney stars as divorce lawyer Miles Massey, debonair creator of the supposedly impenetrable Massey pre-nup agreement. Miles more than meets his match in the calculating, determined to be very rich Marilyn Rexroth (Catherine Zeta Jones in her best performance to date), Marilyn is out to sting her husband for every cent he’s got, sparks fly immediately when Miles and Marilyn meet for the first time but when Miles ensures Marilyn doesn’t get a penny from the divorce she vows to get her revenge.

The dialogue is absolutely sparkling as Clooney and Zeta-Jones cross swords, the pair having a definitely spark of sexual electricity, Miles becomes smitten and tries to win over Marilyn, the movie keeps on building and the last half hour is a riot as Miles realises the depths Marilyn is prepared to go to get her hands on his money. With a supporting cast that includes the ubiquitous Geoffrey Rush (a little known fact is that Geoffrey Rush is actually in every movie ever made) and an enjoying himself Billy Bob Thornton this is a must see movie.