Worth A Matinee or Full-Price Ticket: Full price. This film is good enough for a nighttime rate, however, a fine limtus test for deciding would be if you like Coen Brothers movie, "Blood Simple" in particular, and have some knowledge of Cormac McCarthy (the book's author).
{Editor's Note: I saw a matinee showing.}
Will I Own It On DVD: Yes. 
1) This feels like a Oscar-nominated movie to me. I'm not sure about best picture, but I think cinematography, director and a supporting actor seem likely.
2) The previews for this film make it seem like more of an action-packed, shoot 'em up than the movie really is as "No Country For Old Men" is actually a very quiet picture (almost no music at all) punctuated with bursts of harsh violence.
3) The acting is universally excellent as Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem and Tommy Lee Jones anchor the film with spot-on performances. The trio excel in virtually every scene, but it's the smaller roles and extras who also enrich the film due to their extremely authentic looks and dialect they possess. 
4) The finale of "No Country For Old Men" is somewhat anti-climatic. I was expecting it because the book was written that way, although I was still vaguely irritated and I imagine some people will feel extremely cheated.
5) It's rare that a book, and the screen version match up in scope, theme and substance. "No Country For Old Men" runs very close as the adaptation is damn near perfect, which is great if you liked the novel and less so if you were expecting something fresh.
All in all, "No Country For Old Men" is a quiet meditation on fate and choices and other weighty topics set against a chase background which begins when a simple man finds $2 million in drug money.
It's not for everyone, however, and if you go in expecting a fast-paced, glib action film then you'll be disappointed. I was not.
-BDS
You're right. This one's no for everyone. Heff included, lol.
Good God i've never even heard of this one either. Bah!! I watch a hell of a lot of TV as well, you'd think i'd have seen the trailer.
Heff - Ha. That's what I was trying to express, so hopefully it worked as I think the previews are somewhat misleading.
Miss Ash - I think there's some sort of lag time in Canada for these movies. Ha. Let's go with that explanation (but it's lucky you frequent this blog to keep up with movies at the very least).
I saw this over the holiday weekend and loved it as well, although the ending was a bit disappointing. I appreciate the little details in the film, such as the two separate shots with the reflections in the television (if you remember that)
I really enjoyed this film as well. Solid acting, great story, appropriate pace. I was satisfied with the ending but agree people used to getting things handed to them might be disappointed.
looking forward to this one. The Coen brothers have an interesting sense of cinematic style.
Jlee - I do remember those parallel views, and nice eye for detail. I'd like to watch this again as I know I'll pick up on things I missed the first time.
Kismetic - Agreed. I knew what was coming (or not coming), so it was fine by me. I especially liked the Tommy Lee Jones scene with the older guy when he tells him why he's retiring.
Idig - Definitely. This movie is closest to "Blood Simple" in their work, so you might want to rent that if you haven't seen it. I haven't watched it in a long time.
although I hate the name of this film, I like your review so I will go see this. Thanks & hope your weekend/ holiday was filling.
is this a coen brothers movie? heard great things about it. and it has gotten great reviews. seems that there is so much shite out there nowadays.
hey, we rented 'Hoax'. ever seen that. that was great, and I cannot believe it was a true story. that should be a contender too but it kind of went under the radar.
Good review. I never read the book, does it help with the ending? I want to be annoyed with the ending, and then I think of how brilliant it is that it made me think! Ah, symbolism and poetic expression ....
Nobich - I liked the movie, and I hope I gave you a flavor about the pace, themes, etc. so you know what to expect. And thanks as my holiday was filled with lots of things that I'd rather sweat out. Ha.
Vivavavoom - Yep. Hoax was w/ Richard Gere, but I didn't see it and also didn't realize it was out on DVD. I might have to pick that up. I'm hoping that December will bring some more good movies out of the bag. We'll see.
Linda - I felt the same way, and the book ending is largely like the movie - frustrating to a degree. The movie was less so simply because I was expecting it. So bring on the symbolism . . . I suppose.
I was kinda on the fence about whether or not to see this movie but since you are giving it good reviews think I will check it out. I'm not going in with any expectations. I have never read the book. So I'm just basically looking for a good movie and I will take your word that it is worth seeing.
Definitely haven't heard of this movie at all, so I think we'll have to assume that your theory is correct (about the lag time in these movies showing up in Canada). Sounds good though. I love incomplete endings... they keep me thinking for hours, sometimes even days!
Trina - I hate to say this, but you might not want to take my word as gospel. Ha. I liked the movie, however, I also realize this one in particular is not for everyone, although w/ expectations in check (and a matinee price), you shouldn't be too disappointed.
Grace - I'm going to test this theory in the future w/ Canada. Also, if you like those incomplete endings, then go for it as there is lots to ponder in this one. At least I thought so.