The Visalia Independent Film Series wraps its fall lineup with one of the best movies of 2011: The profane and delightful "The Guard."
It's hard to put a label on writer-director John Michael McDonagh's debut film. It's one part buddy-cop movie, a dash of culture clash comedy and a surprisingly touching character study all at the same time.
Through it all — at least if you can understand the thick Irish brogues — it's one of the funniest movies of the year, with one-liners and sly observations on everything from pop culture to the relative use of (or lack thereof) British philosophers.
At the center of the action is a terrific performance by burly Irish actor Brendan Gleeson, who plays Sergeant Gerry Boyle with a devilish glint in his eye and a gift for saying utterly offensive things in a charming way.
What makes the film so entertaining is watching various police officials and criminals underestimate Boyle, who plays the clown but really is whip smart and observant despite his taste for prostitutes and the occasional illegal drug.
The plot revolves around a joint Irish police-FBI effort to take down an international drug ring. The FBI agent in charge (Don Cheadle, terrific playing the straight man to Gleeson) soon runs headlong into Boyle, who delights in tweaking the uptight American. Soon, though, the two develop a wary but always believable friendship.
McDonagh's plot is just an excuse to let us follow Boyle as he investigates both the drug smugglers and two connected murders in a decidedly unorthodox manner. At the same time, Boyle is dealing with his mother (Fionnula Flanagan), who is dying of cancer. Their relationship is warm, funny and ultimately moving — and something totally unexpected.
McDonagh, who is the brother of acclaimed Irish playwright Martin McDonagh ("Pillowman" and "The Lieutenant of Inishmore"), has the same knack of writing dialogue full of pop culture references that's funny, smart and profane. Think Quentin Tarantino with an Irish brogue and you'll get an idea of what to expect.
When the movie ends you'll want to know more about Boyle and his peculiar outlook on life and policing — and wanting to know more about a character as the house lights go up is always a sign of a terrific movie.
Visalia Times
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