The Boondock Saints (1999)
Watched November, 2011
I had heard a lot about how I “needed to watch” this work, so I jumped in with a rather open mind as those who had suggested it are usually good to me. I have to admit that there is a certain amount of edgy humor to this but overall I was underwhelmed. Enough so that I probably won’t do the sequel.
Twin brothers in Boston set out on a “mission from God” of sorts to rid the city of evil by putting bullets in said evil while an openly gay investigator seeks to track them down. Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery do a decent job with the twins while in many ways Willem Dafoe steals the show as the gay inspector. Why he has to be openly gay is totally beyond me. But Dafoe is wonderful in the part. While the plot leaves a lot to be desired, I won’t spoil it by revealing more than this, other than to say there is a truck load of bullets and blood.
I felt the writing was strong on one liners but weak on a plot that was compelling. These guys had a pseudo-religious Latin “rite” they recited before each vengeful killing and that was the basis for the action. Something like, “And shepherds we shall be, for Thee, my Lord, for Thee. Power hath descended forth from Thy hand. That our feet may swiftly carry out Thy command. So we shall flow a river forth to Thee, and teeming with souls shall it ever be. In nomine Patri. Et Fili. Spiritus Sancti.” If that makes sense for you, then you should like the film. I did not really get it so I was less than entertained.
Not real sure on my recommendation here. I might have to watch it with someone who likes it before I understand it and can give a true recommendation. Until then, be warned, and always look behind you for twins bearing arms.
