The Boondock Saints

Two self-proclaimed angels of justice are crushed through the grinder of bland "post-Tarantino" dialogue, and it’s not helped by any attempt at a vigorous narrative style. Duffy sets up the whole situation very casually, without emphasis on the absurdity of the plot (one cat can't save it) and the comic hyperbole it draws from. The main duo is accurate, and so is Dafoe’s detective, but they all flounder in a situation that begins and ends with the opening sermon in the church. (23.02.2010)

An inventive screenplay and direction from Duffy (the ingeniously written scene with the reconstruction of the shoot-out) that any would-be action director would have been proud of. Excellent acting performances both by the main two or the directing Willem Dafoe give the movie an inimitable atmosphere. I hope that Troy Duffy gets enough dough for part two so that the Saints can pull out all the stops again. And shepherds we shall be, for Thee, my Lord, for Thee. Power hath descended forth from Thy hand, that our feet may swiftly carry out Thy command. So we shall flow a river forth to Thee, and teeming with souls shall it ever be. In nomine Patris. Et Filii. Et Spiritus Sancti. (20.05.2009)

Massive surprise. I’d never heard about this film, my colleague Coldrexx recommended it and I couldn’t be more thrilled. The Tarantino style is evident, though not as perfectly honed as with Quentin himself, but still works great. This means a high dose of wisecracks, a lot of blood, weird characters (the best of which is the excellent FBI agent). It’s been long since a film surprised me so much and it’s been long since I laughed so much. Great. (28.10.2010)

The story may limp along, the supporting characters can easily be confused with little inattention, and I still haven't deciphered the final message after years (Satire? Warning? Both?), but I don't mind. Symphony of blood, action, and slow-motion shots contains almost everything a genre fan could wish for and it pleasantly engages the viewer throughout. When I add Dafoe's eccentric exhibition, any negative aspects are much harder to find. (20.06.2008)

Tarantino's poetics, a lot of violence peppered with hyperbole in places, "fuck" following every other word, brisk direction by Duffy with a few visual flourishes that erase the handicap of the basic script and the low budget. But I also have to partially agree with betelgeus, I am slowly getting tired of the Taratino clones. Not everyone can combine violence with absurd humour as well as Tarantino or Guy Ritchie. Duffy has only a few bright moments (especially the scene with the unfortunate butchering of the cat). PS: On the other hand, Dafoe in the role of a genius detective is brilliant! (09.08.2004)