Quirky hit-man outing

Rating: 6/10 (27 February 2011)

At first, I wasn't sure what to make of this small-scale crime thriller that follows the exploits of a couple of hit men hiding out in a European city after a job gone wrong. The profane script recalls Guy Ritchie, not in a particularly good way, and the characters are difficult to warm to. The tone is quite uneven, with black comedy being the order of the day as the script sees the characters ruminating on bizarre characters and occurrences, such as when they become involved with a dwarf actor currently staying in the city. I was tempted to switch off during the first half. Then the narrative becomes to be more focused and the second half becomes a lot more entertaining. I found myself warming to both of the leads (a given with the reliable Gleeson, but a surprise as Colin Farrell isn't a favourite of mine) as their humanity becomes evident, and things build up to a thrilling, eventful climax that never disappoints.
The on-screen antics are small scale but the acting strong and the pacing spot on. Ralph Fiennes contributes an extended cameo as the duo's violent employee and uses it as a showcase for some over-the-top ranting and humorous scenes. I enjoyed the sense of darkness that pervaded the film, particularly as the ending grows near, and while it's not a favourite, I did find this a solidly enjoyable outing that's more original than most.