Friday, August 5, 2011

 

The Guard

The Guard There are many films are claimed to be a comedy, but they are hardly funny at all, despite how hard they try. For example, whatever Jim Carrey does is almost guaranteed not funny. On the other hand, some films are effortlessly hilarious with wit and intelligence—for instance, writer/director John Michael McDonagh's feature directorial debut "The Guard" (Ireland 2011 | 96 min.).

In a small town in Ireland, Sergeant Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleason) has his own unorthodox way to manage both his public duty and personal life. When a group of drug smugglers pass by, not only they bring homicides, but also a FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) into this sleepy coastal town. Being used to take orders from nobody, certainly Gerry is not going to be a foot soldier for the privileged Brendan from the USA government. Like always, he has his own master plan for each and every move he has.

The crime story constantly takes its own unexpected detours, which might remind you films like "Fargo." However, the colorful characters in this film have their own distinct flavor and accent, which will reside with you long after entertain you during the film.

Gerry is anything but conventional. He sneaks drinks to his mom in a nursing home, when she is battling with cancer. Or, he hires two uniformed prostitutes on his day off. Yet, he is intelligent, competent, politically incorrect, and funny. Brendan Gleason gives a brilliant performance as this original and eccentric character. It is immensely entertaining to watch Brendan Gleason and Don Cheadle play out the duo gracefully.

Don Cheadle and Brendan Gleeson in THE GUARD

This film is a small gem that is genuinely funny because of its quirky dialogs and smart characters. It makes you laugh out loud without any physical mishaps to those unlucky characters such as those played by Jim Carrey. This film is a delightful escape from those mindless summer blockbusters jamming the theaters, 3D or not.

"The Guard," a Sony Pictures Classics release, opens on Friday, August 5, 2011 at Bay Area theaters.


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