Review of The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009) by Ian B — 27 Nov 2010

Superior to the original, Director Troy Duffy takes advantage of casting Julie Benz as a 10 times more intense "Clarice Starling"-esque Ball-Busting FBI Agent in Christian Louboutin Spiked Heels & seamed stockings, form fitting dresses, and sub-compact satin finished 1911A1 pattern single action pistol carried in a custom front abdominal holster.

Duffy caressingly films her, lovingly showcased in tight close ups, slow-motion glamor shots, and fabulous classy outfits. (It's obvious he has just as big a crush on her as I have had since her "Buffy" days, Benz just gets better looking as she matures, as does her acting skills; the dream sequence of her as a leather cowgirl shootist is worth the price of admission alone).

The film serves primarily as an action vehicle update leading to a possible 3rd segment, and the action is filmed in the Peckinpah/John Woo/Matrix stylized vein, pleasing to the eye ballet choreographed violence presented as no less than performance art.

Firearms enthusiasts will lean forward noting all the various weapons and carry methods presented (including the SFX longslide Desert Eagle twins prominently displayed). Replacing Willem Dafoe's repellent transvestism with Julie Benz's alluring beauty is the best single improvement over the original film.

Clifton Collins overly stereotypical "Mexican" character is more questionable, serving as the "Stephen Fetchit" to the Twins equally stereotypical hard-drinking psychotic Irishmen.

Time shifting story elements advance the context of the plot. Action packed with little drag, rampant smoking and drinking, atmospheric alternate reality a'la "The Warriors", and an interesting performance by Peter Fonda reminiscent of Brando in the "Godfather" series, Boondock Saints II, gets the job done for fans of the "Shoot-em-up" genre of macho action films with a noir-ish edge.

Grab the popcorn and enjoy. (Note:Firearms fanciers will notice the Springfield Armory satin finish compact 1911A1 carried by Benz, turns up displayed closeup in the recent film "Edge of Darkness" also.

Product placement or simple coincidence?).