This "crime-ody" proves you can mix international police drama with place-specific humor and produce an emerald of a film. Too bad this solid production saw such a short stay in and received such limited word of mouth from Hollywood. Comparisons to an Irish "Fargo" are not misplaced -- this could become a cult classic once it hits DVD and cable. All three of the bad guys have individually quirky personalities that make the trio both threatening and hilarious. Their pursuit by a worldly black FBI agent and small-town bachelor cop ("guard" in Gaelic) provide perfect foils with on-target foibles of their own. Some audiences may find the location's dialect hard to get at times, but the low-keyed levity and big laughs are worth the effort. At first, the best-known songs on the soundtrack seem randomly selected, but like most other choices this film makes, they add much to the story and character development. From starring to supporting roles, these are indeed characters only great direction and understated acting can pull off. Both are ever-present, with the occasional apparent misstep always a clue worth investigating. You never quite know where this plot is going, but it takes the viewer on a ride once known as an "E-ticket." This film will not turn the Irish economy around by itself, but it's worth several times the price of a trans-Atlantic flight. First class dark comedy all the way.
Review of The Guard
