In BrugesDirected by: Martin McDonagh Cast: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes Time: 1 hr 47 mins Rating: R
Plot: When a targeted kill goes wrong and leads to an accidental death, a hitman (Farrell) and his partner (Gleeson) have to lie low in Bruges, Belgium.
Who’s It For? There's definitely some violence, but it is mainly the matter-of-fact conversations from Farrell that will have people talking.
Expectations: There was a strong buzz for this film, yet this was McDonagh's first feature film, so you never know. Plus, Farrell is either on or off, there's no in between.
SCORECARD (1-10)
Actors: Colin Farrell as Ray: Farrell is "on" with this role. He's able to be carry around some terrible stereotypes and be likeable. Farrell can act, as Tigerland, Cassandra's Dream, Minority Report and now In Bruges have proved, it's the other roles that have me scratching my head. Score: 8
Brendan Gleeson as Ben: He's the straight man in the bunch. Ray needs someone to spew his logic too, and Ben is perfect in that slightly tired, disappointed dad kind of way, who wants to give his give one more chance. Score: 7
Ralph Fiennes as Harry: Sure he drops the f-bomb a lot, and at first, I thought Harry would be best left on the other end of the phone, but Fiennes claws into this character and gives you reason to hope for Ray and Ben. Score: 7
Talking: In Ray's opinion, if you grew up on a farm and were retarded, that's a reason you'd like Bruges. He also insults dwarfs, obese people and I'm sure I'm forgetting a slew of others. Plus, the dwarf goes on a coke binge and talks about the coming race war. Again, in other actor's hand, I just don't think it would work. Score: 6
Sights & Sounds: I love the new info such as shooting a blank in someone's face does have consequences. And the tempo starts to pick up in the film right around the time the coke does, odd coincidence, huh? It actually works in showing off the city of Bruges as well. Score: 7
OVERALL In Bruges in a small story of being stuck and trying to get out. Ray is trying to escape his awful mistake, accidentally shooting a kid when he just meant to do in a priest. It's amazing there can be a hint of compassion for him, especially since he spends the film ragging on others. Ben is the hitman with a great morale compass, but his most endearing quality is the fact that he wants to take in this odd little town of Bruges. There would have been a perfect moment for a beautiful bloody sad ending involving a high tower in the city square, but instead they go for a chase through the city. If you're stuck, In Bruges doesn't seem to be a bad place to be. Score: 7 out of 10