THE GUARD

THE GUARD is a very well written and well acted cop comedy from Ireland. Brendan Gleeson has a field day playing an eccentric older cop who has to deal with a young new partner and an FBI agent played by Don Cheadle. All of the performances are quite good, and the writing is spectacular for the characters. The movie occasionally gets a little self-referential (one character makes a reference to Ned Kelley, which was written by John Michael McDonagh, the director of the film), but it doesn't hit you over the head.

I would not be surprised if Gleeson pulls a nomination for his performance, assuming enough people saw the film. Also the art direction and wardrobe were appropriately hilarious. It's a very smart yet moving film. I highly recommend it.