100 Word Review – In Bruges (2008)

After a botched assignment, two hit men (Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson) head to Bruges in an attempt to avoid the heat in London on the orders of mob boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes). But there is more to this mini vacation than there first appears…

Written and directed by Martin McDonagh (Seven Psychopaths), this may be the most hilariously twisted crime comedy I’ve ever seen.

Be warned, it’s not for the squeamish or the overly politically correct. It is dark, dry and just plain brilliant. The screenplay was nominated for an Oscar and how it didn’t win is beyond me.

100 Word Review – Leon (1994)

This film should be compulsory viewing. It’s that simple.

Leon (Jean Reno) a reclusive professional assassin reluctantly takes in a young girl, Mathilda (an 11 year old Natalie Portman in her feature film debut) after her family is murdered by a corrupt FBI agent Stansfield (Gary Oldman).

Written and directed by the truly talented Luc Besson (The Fifth Element), this is part buddy film, part shoot-em up action drama. There is even a little romance.

It is beautifully shot, completely compelling, exciting and quite simply a wonderful film. I am not surprised it has made it to #27 on IMDb’s Top 250 List.