Billy makes his living by kidnapping dogs with his friend Hans (Christopher Walken) and returning them to the grateful owners for a reward. Woody Harrelson is a gangster with an adorable dog. When the dog gets kidnapped, all kinds of Hell breaks loose. Sounds like it could be OK, right?
There are a few big problems. First is the lack of plot. The writer / director (Martin McDonagh) was suffering from writer's block (just like the fictional Marty), and this is what he came up with - a great title but no plot / arc. There are flashback sequences that are stupid and poorly filmed. I think they're supposed to be silly, but the tone doesn't work at all. As there is not plot, there are many points when the film feels like it is ending, but it doesn't. It just keeps rolling.
And here's the weird part. For all that, the movie is enjoyable. If you have low expectations and just want some fluff, this will do the job just fine. There is a simple reason: the chemistry between Sam Rockwell, Colin F and Mr. Walken is fantastic. Walken can deliver the most ridiculous line and have it work. Colin Farrell is always easy on the eyes, plus he has a mobile face with hilarious expressions. But the shocker? I adored Sam Rockwell. He was the movie for me.
Woody was underused - he needed to be with the other guys to have his character work. All female actresses in the film (Gabourey Sidibe, for example) deserve much more than this writer can give them.
No comments:
Post a Comment