Review of Boondock Saints

Movie #32 - Boondock Saints

Boondock Saints is a movie that didn't do very well in the box office, but since its release, has developed a cult following. This film is epic. I didn't watch the film until about two years ago - and the only reason I watched it was because I had just met Norman Reedus...and fell in love. Once I watched Boondock Saints, I was a fan for life. My brother has always been a huge fan of the films (and of Norman Reedus), but I never gave it much thought to sit down and watch the movie. Boy, was I missing out. I can see why Boondock Saints has such a big following now.

Boondock Saints is about two brothers, Connor and Murphy MacManus, that receive a "calling" to kill the murderers and thieves in the world. They set out around Boston finding mafia thugs to kill. Their friend, Rocco, eventually weasels his way onto their team, but ends up causing them major trouble. Even though Rocco's trouble detours the brothers (and even gets Rocco killed), they triumph in the end - with a reunion of sorts with their estranged father. They become "heroes" in the eyes of the city, and they set out on a mission to kill all wrong-doers. It's a truly good film.

Usually I'm not the type of person to be interested in guns and killing and extreme language, but this movie hooks me. The plot is fantastic. Boondock Saints is like a realistic take on superheroes. How would people react if two guys were going around the city fighting and killing all of the bad guys? I love that the film ends with a news reporter asking citizens on the street for their responses to that exact question. To me, it makes the movie believable. It makes Connor and Murphy seem better than Batman or Superman because they're real.

Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery are absolute talents. Plus, after meeting them both in person, they're super funny and super nice as well. Willem Dafoe is also incredible in this movie. I don't know how they got Willem Dafoe to sign on to this, but I am glad they did. He plays Paul Smecker, a detective that's trying to figure out who is committing these crimes throughout the entire story. His character is a little unconventional in his ways, so it makes for some amusing scenes. The banter he has back and forth with one of the Boston PD detectives is hilarious. "Onion bagel with cream cheese."

Overall, I give Boondock Saints 4 out of 5 stars.

RIP little cat