Review of In Bruges (2008) by Johnny T — 12 Nov 2012
It's hard to mix dark wit with real tragedy, but that's what writer-director Martin McDonagh pulls off with In Bruges, a wonderfully realized examination of unintended and deadly consequences. The movie gradually deepens from odd-couple comedy into Catholic-themed drama, but it remains marvelously funny throughout. It plays really engagingly, with the leads doing a wonderful Mutt and Jeff act and the camera lingering lovingly over scenery that looks awfully pretty in the moments before it gets spattered with blood. Instead of hitting the easy notes of black humor, McDonagh skillfully modulates between broad character laughs and the men's piercing anguish as the story nears its bloody conclusion. An endlessly surprising, very dark, human comedy, with a plot that cannot be foreseen but only relished. When it's funny, it's hilarious; when it's serious, it's powerful; and either way, it's an endless pleasant surprise...
VERDICT: "High-Quality Stuff" - [Positive Reaction] This is a rating to a movie I view as very entertaining and well made, and definitely worth paying the full price at a theatre to see or own on DVD. It is not perfect, but it is definitely excellent. (Films that are rated 3.5 or 4 stars).
This review of In Bruges (2008) was written by Johnny T on 12 Nov 2012.
In Bruges has generally received very positive reviews.
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