'In Bruges' is rather like a Guy Ritchie film with half the cast, twice the heart, at half the pace. You'd think that would add up a bit short but you'd be wrong. That's because Guy Ritchie films are rather like Snickers bars. It's simply ridiculous to think about having one and never having another. Hell I've watched 'Snatch' at least a half dozen times, and that dog still cracks me up. But there is something about a high quality drama and 'In Bruges' is that with a twist, that makes a second watching something you'd rather avoid, like a second prix fixe meal at the same restaurant on another weekend. I can't imagine sitting through 'There Will Be Blood' again, and I have that same, very good and respectful feeling about this dark, dramatic comedy.
'In Bruges' has a very real sense of unreality to it. You're not likely to see gunfighting gangsters decide to take a battle outside because the pregnant proprietor of an inn tells them so. But it's just the kind of thing that happens in this charming film. It plays a lot less wanky than did 'Hot Fuzz' but its got some of the same vibe going for it - all sorts of improbable action happening in an ordinarily sleepy European town.
The acting is superb and there are plenty of close-ups and memorable dialog and the casting is great. The poof skinhead, the carousing midget, the cranky Canuck, and the fat Americans all make this a really hilarious film. Do see it.
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