The Boondock Saints

This was a prime example of a treat. It’s such a shame that I never came across this film over the years because I really didn’t expect such a ride. Troy Duffy was a big unknown to me until now, but I now know he's a great director. He managed to create a film with minimal financial resources that boasts a charming lead duo, an amazing detective role by Dafoe (what he managed to portray, I truly didn't understand... I can only say bravo), and incredibly catchy Irish music, which really proves itself in films (like Kill the Irishman). The concept of removing bad people has likely appeared many times in history, but here it was handled in a refreshingly original way. Many might argue about the lack of action, but I disagree. It wasn’t that crucial (though the rope scene was definitely worth it, I can’t deny that). The film was primarily a perfect lesson in entertainment combined with the actors' impressive charisma, a smooth narrative, and spiced up with a few shootouts that even Tarantino would appreciate. It's just shy of five stars, but I might give it the highest score over time. 86%. (22/11/2017)

Excellent stuff. A film full of blood, violence, shooting, killing, wisecracks, praying and great acting performances... What more could you ask for in an action film? Willem Dafoe gives such a brilliant performance that I would have given him four Oscars in a heartbeat, I really loved him here and I loved him literally!! One big ride. 100% (08/02/2015)

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, you can easily mix up the supporting characters if you don't pay close enough attention, and I still haven't deciphered the final message years later (Satire? A warning? Both?), but I don't mind. The symphony of blood, action, and slow-motion shots contains almost everything a genre fan could wish for and pleasantly engages the viewer throughout. When I add Willem Dafoe's eccentric exhibitionism, any negative aspects are much harder to find. (20/06/2008)

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. (24/02/2010)