The Guard (2011)

Featured Audience Ratings

• xGary X

  
  An FBI agent teams up with a small town Irish policeman to investigate drug traffickers operating out of rural Ireland in this amusing fish out of water buddy cop comedy from the brother of Martin McDonagh who wrote and directed In Bruges. The approach and humour is very similar to… More
  An FBI agent teams up with a small town Irish policeman to investigate drug traffickers operating out of rural Ireland in this amusing fish out of water buddy cop comedy from the brother of Martin McDonagh who wrote and directed In Bruges. The approach and humour is very similar to his sibling's film, Brendan Gleeson exhibiting the same kind of self deprecating and cynical pragmatism that is common to the Irish mentality. As a thriller, the plot is rather simplistic but it is done with a knowing wit that deconstructs the typical Hollywood action film in a way that's like Guy Ritchie meets Father Ted. Very funny stuff and if you liked In Bruges, you're sure to like this too.

• Mark W

  
  There's something that seems to run through the family of the McDonagh's; Martin made an impressive debut with the lively, comedy crime drama "In Bruges" in 2008. Now his sibling Jonathan does the same with this. Combining genres can so easily go wrong but both the… More
  There's something that seems to run through the family of the McDonagh's; Martin made an impressive debut with the lively, comedy crime drama "In Bruges" in 2008. Now his sibling Jonathan does the same with this. Combining genres can so easily go wrong but both the McDonagh's seem to be rather good at it. In Galway, the west coast of Ireland a seemingly random murder occurs. Sgt. Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) investigates and soon believes it to be part of a drug-smuggling ring. The case becomes so important that the FBI get involved and send over agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) to mount a large scale operation in bringing the drug ring down. The two law enforcers don't exactly see eye-to-eye and have completely different approaches to their professions but manage to find common ground in working together. As we are introduced to the character of Sgt. Gerry Boyle, he's just come across a crime scene. He searches through the pockets of a deceased young man and helps himself to a tab of LSD. Within minutes this towering character and his unconventional methods are established. It takes a good actor to pull this off and Gleeson is more than up to the task. It's his solid performance that's at the centre of this off-beat and cynical comedy. Gleeson has become ubiquitous of late, appearing in film's internationally and having already worked with the likes of Steven Spielberg ("A.I. Artificial Intelligence") and Martin Scorsese ("Gangs Of New York"). He has worked with these directors for good reason, as he can seemingly turn his hand to any role. He's not alone here though, fine support is delivered by the always reliable Don Cheadle, who's not afraid to take a step back and allow Gleeson to shine and as the three dangerous, drug-running killers, Liam Cunningham, David Wilmot and Mark Strong are given small but memorable roles. It's fun to listen to them discuss philosophy before cold-bloodedly despatching of innocent people. It's the balance of danger and humour that keeps director McDonagh's film fresh and able to play with the usual genre conventions. The laughs are genuine and never forced and the sharp Irish humour that courses through it is hilarious. Toward the end, it threatens to succumb to cliche but still has enough up it's sleeve to leave you contented. The mismatched buddy-cop movie has been done many times before but this still manages to find some mileage in it. That's thanks to it's balanced approach and contemptuous brand of humour.

• Tired of P

  
  Directed (and written) by John Michael McDonagh, Reprisal Films 2011. Starring Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle, Mark Stong and Fionnula Flanagan. Genre: Comedy, Thriller Question: Is there a certain nationality that you feel a kinship with? Maybe it is an American thing that I have a… More
  Directed (and written) by John Michael McDonagh, Reprisal Films 2011. Starring Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle, Mark Stong and Fionnula Flanagan. Genre: Comedy, Thriller Question: Is there a certain nationality that you feel a kinship with? Maybe it is an American thing that I have a need to ask that or share with you mine, but I feel a strong connection to my Irish heritage. So when I saw the preview a couple of months ago for the Irish indie film The Guard (and even posted the preview on my blog) I knew I had to see it. It finally came out last week. I walked into the same theatre where I was SUPPOSED to see Another Earth earlier this week. I will admit I was a little nervous, and if you read my blog recently, you'll know why I felt that way when I arrived there this morning. Anyway, Another Earth was already gone. Darn! But The Guard was another film I was happy to see still in at the same cineplex. I decided not to press my luck and sit in the same seat as last time so I chose a different row. (What? Ok, I might be a little superstitious - maybe that's an Irish thing.) The movie began and I slowly started to relax. Now I am not sure how I can desribe this movie because it's not like many I have seen before. It states above that it is a comedy and a thriller. Sure, I would say that but both genres were there but so subtly written that it is really hard to say that The Guard was a flat-out comedy or an unbelievable thriller. I would say it was more of a black comedy and not "A Raucous Comedy!" as it states on the movie poster behind me. However, the thriller part is something you might not get until the end which is why I really enjoyed this film. The story is about a small town in Ireland where there is a confrontational and unorthodox Irish policeman (guard) trying to solve a murder. The FBI comes in to help with the situation and up the ante with the murder with a huge drug deal possibly surrounding the murder. You know, somehow they are...connected! Brendan Gleeson plays the main guard and I bet you know who he is just by the list a few of the films he has been in: 28 Days Later, Braveheart, Cold Mountain, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire (he is Mad-Eye Moody). Anyway, I have always enjoyed his performances but he is hardly the lead role so this was a nice change. And what a character he played. He's a single man, a cop but likes to ignore the law on a few things, etc.. He even uses the favorite curse word that the Irish seem to enjoy a lot (you know which one, right?....oh for fuck's sake - it should be obvious), but when he talks to his mother or a woman he is sweet, gentle and kind. Now here's a hint at the thriller part of The Guard - or at least that is how I saw it....he was sarcastic - my favorite - but most of time you don't know if he is being sarcastic or not. I had a smile on my face throughout this entire movie because of his character and even a few soft chuckles. Brendan Gleeson is the main reason I enjoyed this film. Don Cheadle plays the FBI agent sent over to join the investigation and is taken aback with the guard's crass and racist slurs, but he soon realized that he likes him as they work together to solve the crimes. He puts it perfectly when he calls him an unconventional police officer. It was an interesting pairing to see the American federal agent and the small town police officer hunt down the drug smugglers - especially at the end of the film. There are a couple of others things to mention about The Guard. The criminals, or the drug smugglers, were an interesting trio that when together would go off on odd topics like philosophy. I wish I could remember some of the dialogue but I do recall giggling during their scenes especially when Mark Strong's character would communicate. He had some of the best dialogue. With all that was in The Guard I think the ending might be why I liked it even more. You will just have to see what I am talking about because I am not going to tell you. Slainte! My favorite part: The quick Irish wit - that really does put a smile on my face. My least favorite part: That I wasn't having a pint of Guinness while watching the film but it was only 10am. Rating: R Length: 96 minutes Review: 8 out of 10

• Mark H

  
  Dark comedy from Ireland about a vulgar Irish cop and an uptight FBI agent who form an unlikely pair while investigating a drug-smuggling ring. Predictably the humor comes from the interactions of the mismatched combo. Actor Brendan Gleeson is probably best known as Alastor "Mad… More
  Dark comedy from Ireland about a vulgar Irish cop and an uptight FBI agent who form an unlikely pair while investigating a drug-smuggling ring. Predictably the humor comes from the interactions of the mismatched combo. Actor Brendan Gleeson is probably best known as Alastor "Mad Eye" Moody, the one eyed wizard in the Harry Potter films. Here he gets a rare opportunity to be the star as an unorthodox policeman. It's nice to see Gleeson get a chance to shine in his own film . Sergeant Gerry Boyle is sort of an Archie Bunker for the new millennium. "I'm Irish. Racism is part of my culture," he offers. Don Cheadle is an investigator named Everett who is the straight man to Gleeson's unpolitically correct character. A lot of the amusement is based on the culture clash between a strait-laced black American detective and an irreverent white Irish policeman. The set up is so obvious that the quips need to be creative. But the jokes don't really go far enough. "You're thinking, these men are armed and dangerous, and you being an FBI agent you're more used to shooting at unarmed women and children" - a typical insult. If put downs like that are your idea of the ultimate dis then you might find this entertaining. I found the one-liners to be mildly acerbic, but not especially funny.

• Manu G

  
  A Raucous Comedy Good movie. I expected more but that usually happens when you expect something out of a movie and not all comes true. If you are a fan of In Bruges, Snatch, or Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, I think you will enjoy this one. It falls just short of that level, but… More
  A Raucous Comedy Good movie. I expected more but that usually happens when you expect something out of a movie and not all comes true. If you are a fan of In Bruges, Snatch, or Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, I think you will enjoy this one. It falls just short of that level, but not by much. Gleeson is outstanding and the story is simple enough, yet with plenty of twist, turns and hilarity. The film has lots of oddly humorous moments. None of them are laugh out loud moments but the film has quite a few clever moments--as well as many strange ones. The sum effect is an odd and uneven film but there's enough good to make it worth the while. Sergeant Gerry Boyle is a small-town Irish cop with a confrontational personality, a subversive sense of humor, a dying mother, a fondness for prostitutes, and absolutely no interest whatsoever in the international cocaine-smuggling ring that has brought straight-laced FBI agent Wendell Everett to his door.

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  Cast: Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle, Liam Cunningham, David Wilmot, Rory Keenan, Mark Strong, Fionnula Flanagan, Dominique McElligott, Sarah Greene Director: John Michael McDonagh Summary: When tightly wound FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) invades an Irish village in… More
  Cast: Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle, Liam Cunningham, David Wilmot, Rory Keenan, Mark Strong, Fionnula Flanagan, Dominique McElligott, Sarah Greene Director: John Michael McDonagh Summary: When tightly wound FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) invades an Irish village in pursuit of international drug dealers, wisecracking local copper Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) does his best to annoy the American and get on with his circumscribed life. But soon there's a murder, and Boyle finds himself swept up in detective work way beyond his pay grade. John Michael McDonagh directs this action-filled comedy. My Thoughts: "What a great film. Smart, funny, great characters, and best of all, great performances by Don Cheadle and especially by Brendan Gleeson. I absolutely loved this movie. Who would have ever guessed the random match of Gleeson and Cheadle would turn out so brilliantly? Best match up I've seen in a long time in a movie. Gleeson's character is rude, inappropriate, offensive, and brilliant. I love his character as Sergeant Gerry Boyle. One of the best films I have seen so far this year. Those who enjoy dark humor comedies and a good laugh, like myself will really enjoy this film."

• Matthew S

  
  A richly Irish "Fargo" in spirit - the character roles, the dark humor and the quality of dialogue - The Guard was both cathartic and fun for the Irishman dwelling in me.

• Christopher H

  
  Brendan Gleeson is delightfully hilarious as the foul-mouthed but infinitely likable Sergeant Garry Boyle. Gleeson and Don Cheadle have an incredible on-screen chemistry, with jokes that never fail to miss their mark. This movie also has one of the most fun group of villains I have… More
  Brendan Gleeson is delightfully hilarious as the foul-mouthed but infinitely likable Sergeant Garry Boyle. Gleeson and Don Cheadle have an incredible on-screen chemistry, with jokes that never fail to miss their mark. This movie also has one of the most fun group of villains I have seen in a while, they manage to be threatening and entertaining to watch without coming across as silly caricatures. One word of warning though, the movie takes place in Ireland and some of the cast members speak with a heavy-Irish accent, so I suggest putting on subtitles. I personally did not have too much trouble understanding the dialogue but their were a few scenes were subtitles were helpful. Despite this "The Guard" remains a violent but fun dark-comedy.

• Chris W

  
  Directed by John Michael McDonagh (brother of In Bruges director Martin McDonagh), this is a dark comedy about an inrreverent and unconventional white Irish cop who is paired up with an uptight African American FBI agent sent to Ireland to help stop an international drug trafficking… More
  Directed by John Michael McDonagh (brother of In Bruges director Martin McDonagh), this is a dark comedy about an inrreverent and unconventional white Irish cop who is paired up with an uptight African American FBI agent sent to Ireland to help stop an international drug trafficking operation. Essentially this film is just a mash up between In the Heat of the Night with a bit of All in the Family but set in the modern Irish countryside. And, while the film does have a fairly solid police proceduarl type of plot, it's mainly a character study highlighted by the fish out of water pairing between the two lawmen. Both the procedural elements and the character study material are pretty strong and decently written. Things could have been perhaps a bit tighter, stronger, and clearer in both cases, but compared to most similar stuff that comes out these days, this is a really good piece of work. That's and it's pretty damn funny, too. It is dark humor, and it's off-kilter, but I did laugh a fair number of times, and appreciate the wittiness they filmmakers were going for. Cheadle may be more well known to most audiences than Gleeson, but Don is actually not the focus here. He's a supporting player. This is basically Gleeson's time to shine in the spotlight, and shine he does. In Bruges made me want to get to know his career more, and this definitely is a stand out role for him. He's just a delight to watch, and his character here is a real fascinating piece of work. He's great, Cheadle is decent enough, and as one of the antagonists, you've got the consummate tough guy Mark Strong doing what typecasting says he does best, He's good of course, but I kinda wanna see him branch out a bit more from time to time. Featuring some fine location shooting ,good cinematography, and a really eccelctic collection of music (score and soundtrack), there's a lot more to like here than just the writing and acting. The film does end on an odd note, but htat's okay because it's an offbeat kind of film anyways. All in all, a good film, but I'm not sure if it's quite really good, if not great. Maybe. It's definitely close. I'll just call it a super high B/almost B+ and leave it at that.

• Raymond W

  
  The Guard is a raucous, violent comedy that takes place in Ireland. Now, let this be a warning, it's a little hard to understand all that is being said because of the thick irish accent. But I think you'll get used to it. Brendan Gleeson is great in this role, and strikes… More
  The Guard is a raucous, violent comedy that takes place in Ireland. Now, let this be a warning, it's a little hard to understand all that is being said because of the thick irish accent. But I think you'll get used to it. Brendan Gleeson is great in this role, and strikes great chemistry with Don Cheadle. I highly recommend this film, but be on your guard because the language comes fast, there is a lot of swearing (and I mean a lot), and it's hilarious to the point of crying. Just a fair warning....

• Julie B

  
  Best accidental partnership since, well, ever.

• Dan S

  
  The smart, corrupt, funny film "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans" wanted to be, featuring an unlikable, isolated police man (Brendan Gleason) who gets involved in an FBI investigation led by an uncomfortable agent (Don Cheadle), as the two try to solve a case… More
  The smart, corrupt, funny film "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans" wanted to be, featuring an unlikable, isolated police man (Brendan Gleason) who gets involved in an FBI investigation led by an uncomfortable agent (Don Cheadle), as the two try to solve a case concerning a large drug trafficking ring. While in one sense it is a subversive comedy making fun of its own set-up, this film still works on its own level as a funny, if somewhat predictable, tale of police corruption and a man looking for something to live/die for. Gleason, a veteran supporting actor in many, many films, gets his chance to shine in the spotlight, and he clearly relishes this opportunity as he creates a sour, selfish soul who comes across as completely human, and someone we reluctantly end up rooting for. Cheadle is fine as the FBI agent who befriends him, and the action, humor, and dialogue stay sharp as a whip throughout. Not an outstanding picture, but a solid one, and one worth a view if you can handle the harsh, brutal language involved.

• Anthony L

  
  Believe the hype. John Michael McDonagh vs. Martin McDonagh, the new Scotts only much better (of recent years anyway). It's dark and it's funny, it also has a Sergio Leone style Western feel about it - something that other film makers have parodied but have not really… More
  Believe the hype. John Michael McDonagh vs. Martin McDonagh, the new Scotts only much better (of recent years anyway). It's dark and it's funny, it also has a Sergio Leone style Western feel about it - something that other film makers have parodied but have not really succeeded at - Hot Fuzz comes to mind, not the same type of film but close and not as good. The script is brilliant ("I'm Irish. Racism is part of my culture.") and there are several great scenes that will become quotable classics in no time. It may turn out to be a cult film, much like In Bruges has become but greater success will come, I've got no doubt about that. Exciting cinema, whoo hoo!

• Reid V

  
  A very unique entry into the buddy-cop genre. Gleeson is a marvel as the enigmatic but undeniably lovable officer who is teamed up with the straight-laced American Cheadle in order to track down a couple of drug dealers. John McDonagh, brother of In Bruges director Martin McDonagh,… More
  A very unique entry into the buddy-cop genre. Gleeson is a marvel as the enigmatic but undeniably lovable officer who is teamed up with the straight-laced American Cheadle in order to track down a couple of drug dealers. John McDonagh, brother of In Bruges director Martin McDonagh, shows that he too can craft an impressive debut feature that is chalk full of devilishly irreverent humor. Gleeson steals the show here and unfortunately the story isn't as nearly as fascinating as trying to figure out what makes such a man tick. In between bouts of laughter from the racially charged black comedy, one cannot help but be struck by the colors on display in the film. Bold yet warm greens and reds make up the interior colors and properly match the colorful personalities on screen. While I prefer In Bruges, The Guard shows clearly that talent runs in the veins of this family.

• Tim S

  
  Brendan Gleeson is hilarious and has great chemistry with Cheadle whose only annoying habit is deciding whether he wants to stick with his annoying and ever disappearing hick accent. I also enjoyed Mark Strong who is proving to be one of most talented character actors in the game… More
  Brendan Gleeson is hilarious and has great chemistry with Cheadle whose only annoying habit is deciding whether he wants to stick with his annoying and ever disappearing hick accent. I also enjoyed Mark Strong who is proving to be one of most talented character actors in the game right now. The cinematography and dialogue are what sets this apart from an otherwise ho hum cops and robbers film.

• Jeff "

  
  The Guard has got to be the most eccentric dark comedy that I've seen in quite some time. This film is not perfect by any means, but I sure enjoyed every moment of it. Brendan Gleeson is terrific in his role, and Don Cheadle s always a pleasure to watch on-screen. The film mixes… More
  The Guard has got to be the most eccentric dark comedy that I've seen in quite some time. This film is not perfect by any means, but I sure enjoyed every moment of it. Brendan Gleeson is terrific in his role, and Don Cheadle s always a pleasure to watch on-screen. The film mixes dark humour with dramatic elements to create a different type of crime film. Like I stated, this film is a dark comedy with serious elements. Director John Michael McDonaugh does a wonderful job directing here, and with a great cast, he delivers a very good, entertaining film. The Guard's strength lies in the performance of Gleeson who lights up the screen with one of his career's best performances. Though the comedic bits lie primarily in the dialogue, if you have a sharp ear, you'll get the gags. Even if you don't at times, Gleeson's on-screen antics make up for it, and you realize how wonderful he is on film. This is one of 2011's best comedic films. Even though it's not really a straight forward comedic experience, it's far better than most comedies that have out during the year. I loved this film, and though it wasn't flawless, it was definitely a fun film to watch. The Guard may be at times slow, but for the most part, there's always something going on to keep you interested in the films story. When you have a lead like Brendan Gleeson, it's hard not to like this film. A worthy dark comedic experience you won't forget.

• Melvin W

  
  Sergeant Gerry Boyle: Now I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, these men are armed and dangerous, and you being an FBI agent you're more used to shooting at unarmed women and children...  FBI agent Wendell Everett: Oh, fuck you, Sergeant!  "The FBI are… More
  Sergeant Gerry Boyle: Now I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, these men are armed and dangerous, and you being an FBI agent you're more used to shooting at unarmed women and children...  FBI agent Wendell Everett: Oh, fuck you, Sergeant!  "The FBI are about to discover that things work a little differently around here." The Guard might just be the comedy of the year. From what I've seen of the 2011 comedies, there are none better. The great thing about this, is it isn't the average comedy that is popping up every week. It isn't a teen or sex comedy. It is a smart film that doesn't rely on gimmicks. It has great writing and direction from John Michael McDonagh. He sells this film on the terrific character, Boyle. And you gotta love a movie that takes every shot at America that it possibly can in a 90 minute run time. Don Cheadle is one of my favorite actors, and his performance as the FBI agent who goes out to Ireland is great. But this movie is Brendan Gleeson's. His performance as Boyle is one of the funniest performances I have seen in a long time. He plays the semi-racist, Irish cop to perfection. He not only looks and sounds the part, but he embodies the part. He is what I think of when I think, Irish cop.  Plot wise, The Guard is interesting on a couple of levels. There's the classic fish out of the water story. Everett comes from America, to Ireland for a drug trafficking case. Not only is he the only American around, but he's also the only black man around. In a land where racism is part of the culture, that isn't a very great thing. Then there's the Boyle aspect. He seems kind of slow; just not that sharp. He's a foul mouthed loner that never says an intelligent sentence. But, still you know he is going to have to be the hero because the sharp FBI agent is just too damn obvious. This is one terrific film. A comedy that is great on multiple levels doesn't come around all that often, but when it does, it is a thing of beauty. In a year where there weren't too many good comedies, this one is a breath of fresh air. I wish this would have had a bigger release. It sucks that movies like No Strings Attached are thrown down our throats, and The Guard only plays in big cities.

• Al S

  
  A near-perfect movie. It`s a great instant classic. One of the most purely entertaining and truly great movies of the year. It`s a fresh, smart, wild and tremendously enjoyable movie. A brutally hilarious comedy that`s just too much fun to handle. A pure guilty pleasure. The most… More
  A near-perfect movie. It`s a great instant classic. One of the most purely entertaining and truly great movies of the year. It`s a fresh, smart, wild and tremendously enjoyable movie. A brutally hilarious comedy that`s just too much fun to handle. A pure guilty pleasure. The most original buddy-cop movie to come around in years. It`s crisp, sharply acted, tounge in cheek and wickedly outragious. It`s loaded with gut-busting laughs and great action. Brendan Gleeson is an absolute marvel, he gives an outragious and brilliant performance that just steals the show. Don Cheadle is excellent. Cheadle and Gleeson are a magnificent together with dazzling chemistry and great character development. They couldnt be more brilliant than they are in this film. It`s just a flat-out great time at the movies. An utterly hysterical and wildly funny movie that just has you falling out of your seat laughing. More than your standard action-comedy, much more and it shows in this film.

• Alireza M

  
  It's directed by brother of the guy who directed In Bruges and if you liked that film probably will enjoy the Guard .Has lots of hilarious sequences and funny characters just like In Bruges ,the only thing that ruined the movie a bit is the ridiculous actions scenes at the end.

• Everett J

  
  Each year I go through all the award nominations and try to watch as many nominated movies as possible. It never ceases to amaze me how many movies get nominated, that I've never heard of. When I saw the nominees for the Golden Globes best comedic actor and one was for Brendan… More
  Each year I go through all the award nominations and try to watch as many nominated movies as possible. It never ceases to amaze me how many movies get nominated, that I've never heard of. When I saw the nominees for the Golden Globes best comedic actor and one was for Brendan Gleason in "the Guard",l was like "what the hell is that?" So I immediately sought it out and gave it a shot. The movie is an Irish police tale about an cop named Gerry(Gleason) teaming with an American F.B.I. agent(Don Cheadle) to take down a drug operation. The movie has many cliches, and with the accents is a little hard to understand. But it has some great one liners("I'm Irish. Racism is apart of my culture) and Gleason is very funny throughout. Not quite sure he should be nominated for awards(considering how many great comedies there were this year), but his character is endearing, and not to be forgotten. Cheadle plays well off Gleason, and is his usual awesome self. I've seen much better, and I've seen much worse. If your like me and like giving odd movies you've never heard of a chance, you should give it a watch and judge for yourself. Otherwise, just watch something else and stick with the norm.

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