The Guard

Often the unfortunate butt of the jokes, the Irish here take control of the comedy stage in this fantastic film which perpetuates so much Irish humour in all the right ways. The Guard is a great outfit by John Michael McDonagh, younger brother of Martin Mcdonagh, the successful director of films such as In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths. Unfortunately for John, The Guard is all too similar to his brother's outfits, causing comparisons to sprout ever since the film hit cinemas in Ireland. Though not quite reaching the heights of the brilliant In Bruges, it does hit similar marks and is able to proudly stand on its own as a rewatchable hit that rightly holds the title of Ireland's biggest box office hit. 

Starring the enigmatic Brendan Gleeson as the titular character, he plays Sergeant Gerry Boyle, a lack-luster and somewhat crass policeman of a small Irish town. His concern for the job is minimal, often drinking and engaging in sexual activities that would most likely be frowned upon by his superiors. One day however a drug ring smuggling $500 million worth of cocaine brings FBI agent Everett (Don Cheadle) to his quiet life, causing him to finally step up to the big leagues. A walking oxy-moron of a partnership, the two provide both confrontation and similarity as they attempt to blow the case open in an epic, guns blazing finalé.

Gleeson's performance here is a steamrolling tour de force that is both minimalistic yet heavy hitting in comedy rooted in Irish custom. There's a strong use of the people and environment of the emerald isle, and even social faux pas' such as racism are done in a sensible way that lashes out wave after wave of hilarity, but what makes The Guard stand ahead of other comedies is its adult tone. Not because of its profanity or language, but that it's all done at a very stead pace, maturely delivered so that other than fantastic dialogue and a splash of deadpan, there's nothing else to concentrate on. Simple stuff done so well. 

Overall The Guard maybe just one Ray Fiennes breakdown short of reaching the heights of In Bruges, but both brothers are certainly experts at delivering some masterful touches to comedy. The partnership of Gleeson and Cheadle is a class act, and the way Sergeant Boyle busts his chops time and time again makes for some great dialogue. It may lack in some areas such as tension, which is all but vacant even bullets begin to fly, but still the screenplay and whit of the actors is enough to help the film stand out among the mediocrity that people associate comedy with today. 

Director: John Michael McDonagh

Run Time: 92 Minutes

Nationality: Ireland

Release Year: 2011

IMDB Rating: 7.3/10

My Grade:

B