Rough around the edges but generally entertaining.

Rating: 7/10 (27 October 2018)

Though it's a little rough around the edges thanks mainly to some brash, backwards-thinking 'edgy' dialogue (a McDonagh trademark), 'In Bruges (2008)' plays fast and loose with convention to usually crowd-pleasing effect, making for an unpredictable and pacy piece that doesn't stick to the confines of its genre. It's a generally entertaining, twist-and-turn-laden time that has some tangible consequences and proper payoffs for pretty much everything it sets up, including a complete central character arc. Ultimately, though, this tight thriller is let down by the occasionally forced, sometimes (purposefully) inappropriate humour and its overall detrimental 'edginess'. 7/10