Review of I Went Down (1997) by Alison O — 25 Mar 2006

Best in Show: Brendan Gleeson.

One for the future: Peter McDonald.

Stand-out scene: Woodland confrontation.

Brainer or no-brainer: No brainer.

Stands up to one viewing or repeated?: Repeated.

DVD commentary any good?: n/a.

DVD.

Brendan Gleeson's frequented the supporting cast of a number of major Hollywood movies for a good few years and it's nice to see him back on home territory in this Republic of Ireland set gangland comedy thriller. From the director of Full Monty wannabe Blow Dry, this is a thoroughly watchable yarn even if its incredulity is obvious from the start. The lead characters' names are priceless; The last time I saw a Git and a Bunny together I was watching an ancient Steiff bear being valued on The Antiques Roadshow. The Git in question is Peter McDonald (also Vincent in Blow Dry), newly released from a spell inside. Urged by his ex-girlfriend to make his peace with her new chap (and his childhood friend) he becomes embroiled in a gangland dispute and finds himself having to to a job for the big boss. This involves travelling to Cork and picking up a former business associate of the big man. Joining him on the journey is smalltime crook Bunny Kelly (Brendan Gleeson) and the en route bickering between the two makes for a number of funny moments. The writer has since gone on to write and direct The Actors and here he shows a deft touch for dialogue, the comic potential of each situation plumbed to maximum effect. While the plot developments are fairly predictable, this is an easy ride you're perfectly happy to tag along with. Enjoyable.