Review of The Guard (2011) by Jason B — 19 Mar 2012

Odds are, you havenâ(TM)t heard of âThe Guard.â? Even though it stars Don Cheadle and somewhat prominent (in Americanâ(TM)s eyes) Brendan Gleeson, this independent release could have easily managed to creep past the average movie-goer without so much as a whimper. Things were a bit different over in Ireland as the film became the countryâ(TM)s highest grossing movie of all-time at the box office â" and for good reason. âThe Guardâ? is an intelligent, quaint, funny black comedy with fantastic characters, great performances and a unique storytelling method to go along with some of the classic buddy cop methods.

Jerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) is a police officer in his native Ireland. With smug, somewhat racist manner about him, a new partner, a dying mother to worry about and an FBI agent (Don Cheadle) hounding him about a huge cocaine bust, he seems to have a full plate.

As far as unorthodox police officers go, Gleesonâ(TM)s Jerry isnâ(TM)t relatively high on the totem pole. Sure, he may say something a bit racist now and again and foray into the realm of the prostitute every so often, but otherwise he does his job, has earthly connections with people and is a good person at heart. The Irish in him acts as a disguise; behind the rough exterior is man who just wants to make sure this world is safe enough for those who just want to live. In the end, Boyle is a surprising hero. Heâ(TM)s not exactly the greatest cop in the world, but clearly heâ(TM)s capable of stepping up, standing his ground and looking death straight in the eye. Honestly, all the tell-tale signs of loneliness exist within Boyle. Heâ(TM)s a heavy drinker (however not exactly uncommon for the Irish), in the process of losing a mother so identical to himself and has no interest in connecting with those who clearly care about him. But, itâ(TM)s not about pity or depression. Itâ(TM)s about a man with a rough exterior who has morals and clear capabilities to fix all of his problems. Heâ(TM)s just content not to. Boyle isnâ(TM)t nearly as crazy as past characters similar to him, heâ(TM)s more well-rounded and, perhaps most impressive, easy to like besides his faults.

As in most buddy cop movies, the lead is only as good as his co-star. By playing FBI agent Wendell Everett, Cheadle provides a wholesome counter-personality to Gleesonâ(TM)s Boyle. Mismatched personas are a cornerstone for such movies, but here the clash of characters fundamentally feels genuine due to the backdrop. For the most part, Cheadle is out of his element. Trying to get to the bottom of the big drug-smuggling case, his pleasantries get him nowhere in a country that finds him intrusive, a symbol of America and is insulted by his using of the English language in a Gaelic-speaking land. Boyle and Everett arenâ(TM)t simply thrown together and the relationship isnâ(TM)t as give-and-take as is per usual. On-screen, Boyle and Everett have their share of moments, including the expected bumping of heads, but it is Boyle who is the headliner. Without Boyleâ(TM)s services, Everett would be lost. A fish-out-of-water in Ireland, Everett uses Boyle as a crutch for not only professional answers in a nation that simply wonâ(TM)t acknowledge him, but also as a friend in a largely friendless environment. While Boyle isnâ(TM)t the ideal friend and doesnâ(TM)t live by the common courtesies that Everett does, Boyle is less of a nuisance and more of a saving grace.

Aside from the characters, âThe Guardâ? succeeds in large part thanks to its mix of comedy and crime. In such scenarios, itâ(TM)s easy to get caught up in the criminal background of it all, but the film doesnâ(TM)t hesitate in its direction. âThe Guardâ? is the story of Boyle through and through and only the most basic of information is given about the enemies, led by Mark Strongâ(TM)s Clive Cornell. The film chooses to show the lighter side of it all. The criminals are bad eggs at heart, yes, but they are not all encompassed with their line of work. Naturally, the dialogue is at the heart of the filmâ(TM)s humor and there is no bias as to who is capable of delivering laughs. While Gleeson and Cheadleâ(TM)s interplay is a riot, âThe Guardâ? also makes sure its audience realizes that the subject material isnâ(TM)t being taken too seriously. In several cases, these lines are at the disposal of the criminals, including a wonderfully executed scene that mocks the cash exchange and the overused and senseless line âis it all there?â? If there is one catch to it all, it is sometimes difficult to understand the characters as the Irish-accent is undeniably and sensibly thick. âThe Guardâ? is a very humorous black comedy, but for that reason bits of that humor will be missed or overlooked.

Altogether, âThe Guardâ? is one of the most underrated features of 2011. With a unique spin on the buddy cop story, material that is dark enough to appreciate, but light enough to enjoy, an endless supply of laughs and structurally sound, well-intentioned characters âThe Guardâ? shouldnâ(TM)t be missed.