The Boondock Saints

This was a prime example of a treat. It’s such a shame that I never came across this film over the years because I really didn’t expect such a ride. Troy Duffy was a big unknown to me until now, but I now know he's a great director. He managed to create a film with minimal financial resources that boasts a charming lead duo, an amazing detective role by Dafoe (what he managed to portray, I truly didn't understand... I can only say bravo), and incredibly catchy Irish music, which really proves itself in films (like Kill the Irishman). The concept of removing bad people has likely appeared many times in history, but here it was handled in a refreshingly original way. Many might argue about the lack of action, but I disagree. It wasn’t that crucial (though the rope scene was definitely worth it, I can’t deny that). The film was primarily a perfect lesson in entertainment combined with the actors' impressive charisma, a smooth narrative, and spiced up with a few shootouts that even Tarantino would appreciate. It's just shy of five stars, but I might give it the highest score over time. 86%. (21/11/2017)

Those were the days when they didn't know how to do comic book stuff yet. If it had the aesthetic of a darker Marvel or normal DC today, it could be a blast. But The Boondock Saints has a bit of a blowhard Ritchie and a bit of a whiny Tarantino, with some solid screenwriting in places, but nothing more. The few interesting moments cannot overcome the utter aesthetic chaos and confusing directorial style. I’d be interested in a remake, because the material does have potential. (13/06/2021)

Tarantino's poetics, a lot of violence peppered with hyperbole in places, "fuck" following every other word, brisk direction by Duffy with a few visual flourishes that erase the handicap of the basic script and the low budget. But I also have to partially agree with betelgeus, I am slowly getting tired of the Taratino clones. Not everyone can combine violence with absurd humour as well as Tarantino or Guy Ritchie. Duffy has only a few bright moments (especially the scene with the unfortunate butchering of the cat). PS: On the other hand, Dafoe in the role of a genius detective is brilliant! (08/08/2004)

Two self-proclaimed angels of justice are crushed through the grinder of bland "post-Tarantino" dialogue, and it’s not helped by any attempt at a vigorous narrative style. Duffy sets up the whole situation very casually, without emphasis on the absurdity of the plot (one cat can't save it) and the comic hyperbole it draws from. The main duo is accurate, and so is Dafoe’s detective, but they all flounder in a situation that begins and ends with the opening sermon in the church. (23/02/2010)

The story may limp along, you can easily mix up the supporting characters if you don't pay close enough attention, and I still haven't deciphered the final message years later (Satire? A warning? Both?), but I don't mind. The symphony of blood, action, and slow-motion shots contains almost everything a genre fan could wish for and pleasantly engages the viewer throughout. When I add Willem Dafoe's eccentric exhibitionism, any negative aspects are much harder to find. (20/06/2008)