The first time I saw this movie I arrived late at the theatre, and not knowing about that the movie was based on Homer's "Odyssey", or that it was set in the 1930's (or so), I wasn't influenced by any expectations of this movie. The first time around, I thought it was witty and funny, but a mediocre film.I finally got around to watching it a second time all the way through. Since then, I have become a Coen affecionado, discovering more and more the subtle yet hilarious comedy that the Coen brothers seem to flavor all their movies with. I HAD to go out and buy this film, and I've watched the movie about a dozen times now, finding it more funny every time. One of my most-watched DVD's in my collection.I recommend giving it a try - and if you've seen it once and didn't like it, I recommend giving it a second chance.