For a long time I was reluctant to see this film until I learned that it was a parody; at that point, knowing something of the story line, I happily went along. The film gives us a good look at Steve Buscemi, but Frances McDormand simply IS the movie. Without this sweet, soft-spoken and quite pregnant protagonist with an accent all too germane for that part of the US (and well done, too !), this story would go nowhere in a hurry. She is to this film what Gloria Stuart is to ''Titanic''. It took a lot to win-out over the heavy-duty competition in ''Secrets & Lies'', but McDormand took home the Oscar (''Best Actress''). Now, can she repeat it sometime? Buscemi has gone on to give us some super performances since. Enjoy it while NOT taking the film too seriously (rating = 4 stars of 5).