The Guard

Synopsis: Excellently executed entertainment from Eire.

Review: If you blinked quickly at your movie guide you may have missed this one as it was only on at ‘the pictures’ for a few short weeks (unlike Harry Potter, which seems to be persisting worse than most venereal complications, probably more painful too). This film takes place in the picturesque Irish city of Galway and follows the antics of Sergeant Gerry Boyle (whose other features include 'In Bruges' and 'Harry Potter' so yes, the reference was tangibly relevant) as he investigates an international drug smuggling plot playing out in his quintessential Guinness drinking, potato farming, leprechaun-chasing town. Sergeant Boyle, as head of the local constabulary is teamed with FBI agent Wendell Everett, and naturally the cultural differences, coupled with Sergeant Boyle’s erratic and eccentric policing style (which include a fervour for full-bodied ladies of the night); result in some pretty humorous interactions during the investigation. Now I’m a fan of just about anything produced in the UK and this flick does not fall short of the standard set by many other Monarchy centred classics (The Full Monty, This is England, The Office, Mighty Boosh, Peep Show and Gavin & Stacey to name a few). With raw, laugh out loud comedy centred on proper character development and pure, quality cinematography this was an absolute delight to watch. My comedic satisfaction hit the dizzying heights of ‘piss-yourself-laughing’ (adult nappies essential) and never delved to anything less than a wry, satisfied smile. Now I haven’t expanded on the plot too much but really, there is no need as this flick is what the entertainment industry is all about; beautiful scenery, raucously entertaining characters, quality dialogue and a perfectly executed, albeit simple story. If you’re sick of spending $16 to watch some retarded vampire lusting after the forbidden, but frustratingly available teen lass (or some poorly executed permutation of this so called ‘storyline’) and are after some truly gratifying viewing, then you can’t go wrong with 'The Guard'. Generally I don’t consider a lot of films to be art, but this piece of pristinely executed St Patrick’s delight will leave you satisfied, smiling and most importantly, with a sense that your life is that little bit richer for viewing.

Score: 4/5