Leaves of Grass

I never saw this one coming... Set in contemporary Oklahoma, "Leaves of Grass" is a safe bet for finest film in Oklahoma history. Edward Norton delivers an outstanding performance, guided by a superb screenplay from director Tim Blake Nelson. Richard Dreyfuss and Keri Russell bolster a strong supporting cast. The script is noteworthy for its verisimilitude on a wild range of subjects from Socrates to hydroponic marijuana production. "Leaves of Grass" is a profoundly intelligent film made with genuine philosophical insight and laser sharp wit. If you go into this film expecting a stereotypical pot comedy, you're in for a shock. The pacing of the film is excellent, tightening the screws until you're on the edge of your seat. In fact, it's spectacularly tough to write a spoiler-free review of "Leaves of Grass". Ultimately, Norton and Nelson deliver a film that would make the Coen Brothers proud.