Okay, Burn After Reading has two major things going for it: it was written and directed by the Cohen Brothers; and it’s being released by Focus Features.

Oh yeah, and I guess it has some name actors.

Actually, it’s kinda funny. This skit features Tim & Eric as well. Good for an uncomfortable laugh.

Focus Features is pretty consistent at churning out well-thought-out, vaguely artsy films of interest. I got their press release today about the first three films they will be putting out next year including one by the Cohen Brothers and starring John Malkovich. Hella hot.

IN BRUGES
Release Date: February 8, 2008 (limited)
Synopsis: This darkly comic suspense thriller from Academy Award-winning writer/director Martin McDonagh tells the story of hit men Ray and Ken (Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson). After a botched job in London, the team is ordered by their boss Harry (two-time Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes) to cool their heels in the storybook city of Bruges, Belgium. Very much out of their comfort zones, the men find themselves drawn into increasingly dangerous entanglements with locals, tourists, and a film shoot. As their stay in Bruges gets weirder, they realize Harry may have other plans for them than a simple vacation.
Writer/Director: Martin McDonagh (“Six Shooter”)
Cast: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes, Clémence Poésy
Rating: R

MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY
Release Date: TBD 2008
Synopsis: A sophisticated and heartfelt comedy. In the 1939-set romantic tale, Miss Guinevere Pettigrew (Academy Award winner Frances McDormand), a middle-aged London governess, finds herself unfairly dismissed from her job. An attempt to gain new employment catapults her into the glamorous world and dizzying social whirl of an American actress and singer, Delysia Lafosse (Academy Award nominee Amy Adams). Within minutes, Miss Pettigrew finds herself swept into a heady high-society milieu – and, by the end of the day, discovers her own romantic destiny.
Director: Bharat Nalluri (“Tsunami: The Aftermath”)
Writers: David Magee (“Finding Neverland”) and Simon Beaufoy (“The Full Monty”),
based on a novel by Winifred Watson
Cast: Frances McDormand, Amy Adams, Ciarán Hinds, Shirley Henderson, Lee Pace

BURN AFTER READING
Release Date: TBD
Synopsis: A dark spy-comedy from Academy Award winners Joel and Ethan Coen. An ousted CIA official’s (Academy Award nominee John Malkovich) memoir accidentally falls into the hands of two unwise gym employees intent on exploiting their find.
Writers/Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen (“Fargo,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”)
Cast: George Clooney, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt, Tilda Swinton