Login
I can't tell if your really fucking smart, or really fucking stupid.
First time big screen director, John Michael McDonagh debuts with a darkly funny satire, centered around an ignorant cop, Sergeant Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) and the murder investigation he insists on pursuing. Joining the party is the always talented Don Cheadle, as the quiet yet aggressive FBI Agent, who tags along for the ride.
'The Guard' is filmed wholly in Ireland, and the film-makers make it quite clear, as a lot of scenes rely heavily on the atmosphere. There's a Tarantino-esk vibe flowing through a decent few of them. McDonagh does a splendid job in creating that dark, quiet, yet intimidating atmosphere throughout nearly the entire film, and seeing as this is only his first directed picture, I give him even more props. The first investigation consists of a murder scene, in which it appears the victim was brutally manhandled. Right above the blood-ridden body lies a number. Of course, immediate thoughts of David Fincher's 'Se7en' are brought to mind, not only for the viewer, but the police as well, who discuss the film for a brief moment. The plot is then flipped on its side, when we find out the dead guy was somehow connected to a large drug cartel, setting up Boyle's new prime objective. I wasn't totally shocked at that revelation, seeing as its been done numerous times, in numerous other films. But it didn't bother me at all, as it worked just fine.
The first half or so of 'The Guard' is well structured, and sets the tone great. The characters blend well, and everything is a hoot for the most part. Unfortunately, its second half falls flat. It seems the writers got lazy, because the rest of the film is too rushed. I know it's only a 90 minute movie, but its just far too brisk and nonchalant. The depth just does not hold up. 'The Guard' also suffers from cockiness. Tarantino works that way, but somehow his films manage to impress. Gleeson is great, most of his dialogue is pitch-perfect, but after awhile you get the sense that he thinks he owns the movie. Freshman director McDonagh did well, but a lot of his scenes try hard to be smart, instead result in some value, just not the kind he was going for. I understand the technique he was striving for, but it sort of insults the viewer.
British comedies are becoming very popular these days, and most of them are quite worthy of appreciation. The wildly popular 'Hot Fuzz' is very similar to 'The Guard', however instead of relying heavily on loud, in-your-face jokes, like 'Hot Fuzz', 'The Guard' is a bit more matured, forcing the viewer to think for themselves a little more. Don't get me wrong, I love 'Hot Fuzz', but the style in film-making between the two is on a different spectrum. If you enjoyed 'In Bruges', which also featured Brendan Gleeson, you should take a liking to 'The Guard'.
Plotting polar opposite characters together on screen, usually always results in a solid amount of chemistry, and laughs. Just take a look at Lethal Weapon. It's considered a classic now, and deservedly so. Boyle's first partner, newly instated Aidan McBride, played wonderfully by Rory Keenan, is on screen for a disappointingly short duration. He and Boyle are awkwardly introduced, and just when your getting a feel for the two of them, KA-Poosh! Having said that, the rest of the characters seem pretty well fit for their roles. Mark Strong stars as the head honcho of the drug cartel, and he really does not disappoint, proving a worthwhile leading man. The comedy in 'The Guard' is my type. It's tightly wound, dry, and most importantly, holds up fairly well. Most of the laughs come from Gleeson and Cheadle during their little conversations, but some humor sparks from nearly every party. This is NOT a laugh-out loud comedy. Those expecting that, brace yourself. Instead, its a great example of acquired taste. If your into this stuff, you'll love it. If not, you wont. Simple as that.
Other than the uneven plot structuring and heavily rushed narrative, 'The Guard' proves a worthwhile little comedy, that I'm sure will please its target audience.
6.5/10
