For such a beautiful city, there isn't much to see

Rating: 4/10 (6 July 2008)

The fault of this movie rests entirely on the script. There is a reason that movies are usually written by one person and directed by another. The collaboration tends to heal the weaknesses that each side brings to the project. "In Brugges" was made without collaboration. The acting is great. The cinematography is great. The soundtrack (what there is of it) is great. The story is just written and directed in such a amateurish manner that the experience becomes an hour long wait for the "big finish" that is spelled out so completely in the overdone foreshadowing that all surprise and excitement is lost. Think of it as going out for dinner on your birthday and being told on the way that it is a surprise party, then being told who will be there, and finally being told exactly what present each person bought for you -- all before you even open the door to hear SURPRISE! It doesn't matter how good the party and gifts are. The experience is ruined.