It's one thing to write up a good review about a thriller involving some high stakes drug-related intrigue, set in rural Western Ireland. It's another thing altogether to rave about what might be the most original comedy I've had the pleasure of seeing in years.
Directed by John Michael McDonagh, The Guard offers seasoned actor Brendan Gleeson (Mad-Eye Moody of the Harry Potter films, Braveheart) the chance to shine more than ever, in this incredibly, cleverly scripted film filled with increasingly dark humor. I've watched it twice, if only to catch a few more bits I'd missed.
What is The Guard All About?
Welcome to Connemara, Ireland, a quaint little corner of the Emerald Isle, where everyone knows everyone, and crime isn't exactly rampant. When he isn't busy having a pint at the local pub while on duty, Sgt. Gerry Boyle (Gleeson) likes to ensure the safety of his fellow citizens, even though he can't help bending the rules more often than not.
When he's not in the company of lovely prostitutes or stealing small amounts of drugs from dead crash victims, Gerry likes to take care of his terminally ill mum (Fionnula Flanagan), fire a fake gun at fake targets via video games, and swim in the icy cold waters of the Atlantic.
When a dead body is discovered which may lead to some notorious drug runners hoping to gain a foothold in Irish Country, it isn't long before an overly serious G-Man named Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle, Iron Man 2) comes across the pond, hoping to catch these wanted criminals. Among these felons are Francis Sheehy (Liam Cunningham), psychopath Liam O'Leary (David Wilmot) and snarky Brit Clive Cornell (the always great Mark Strong, Kick-Ass).
With much of the Irish police force on the take from these renowned criminals, can the unlikely pair of Boyle and Everett manage to catch these guys before 500 million dollars worth of cocaine makes its way into Europe?
The Guard: Great Script, Great Acting, Modest Production Values
It's actually true what they say: great things often come in small packages. Without relying on a movie budget which could easily equal the GNP of Finland, director McDonagh takes his time in establishing solid characters, especially that of the cynical, rude, unheroic Gerry Doyle, as brilliantly played by Brendan Gleeson. While unlikeable in every way, we as viewers can't deny how genuine and untouchable this rural breath of fresh air is as a central character.
Along comes Cheadle, an actor who often made himself sound British, if even for quirky roles like that of Basher Tarr in the Ocean's franchise. Here he plays straight American, an antithesis to the unruly Irishman he finds himself pairing with.
Like most cop pairings in movies, these two men couldn't be further apart in personality and values. nonetheless, you can easily feel the genuine exchange between the two, thanks to a well crafted, humorous script by McDonagh.
The Guard Blu-Ray Features and Bonuses
Not much to see here, other than a ten-minute long short which was the original story for this film, along with some deleted scenes, a few bland bloopers and the director's commentary.
For some laughs, check out the behind-the-scenes bit where cast and crew relax between takes. you haven't chuckled until you see Don Cheadle do a mean Christopher Walken impression.
The Final Word on The Guard
This is a solid, dark, effectively simple comedy, folks. I daresay it could be Brendan Gleeson's finest work yet, though I'd hope for a sequel it I could. With some semi-offensive humor, good pacing and conscious editing, the filmmakers have produced a worthwhile, modest product which easily eclipses its bigger-budget cinema siblings. I urge you to check it out.
The Guard: 4/5
Dominic Messier - Dominic Messier is a Toronto-based Film & TV writer, Sci-Fi TV and Film Dramas Topic Editor, and creator of PopCultureLandscape.com
