Boondock Saints is nothing more than a lame version of Daredevil, Wolverine or The Punisher, shot in a hip Quentin Tarantino style, but without the edgy character substance that make his films great.
Boondock Saints: Unrated Edition
Directors: Troy Duffy
Producers: Chris Brinker...producer
Writers: Troy Duffy
Features: * Unrated Version * Commentaries * Deleted Scenes * Outtakes * Trailers
Characters:
Willem Dafoe...Paul Smecker
Sean Patrick Flanery...Connor MacManus
Norman Reedus...Murphy MacManus
David Della Rocco...David Della 'Roc/Funny Man' Rocco
Billy Connolly...Il Duce
Genre: Action/Adventure
Review:
Boondock Saints: Unrated
I’m not really sure how this mess of a movie became a cult classic. It’s an extremely worn story about two brothers who decide to rid the world of it’s filth by murdering mob bosses and the like. If you’re a comic book fan, this basic premise will sound a bit familiar. Boondock Saints is nothing more than a lame variation of the Daredevil, Wolverine or The Punisher comic series, shot in a hip Quentin Tarantino style, but without the edgy character substance that make his films great.
When Boondock was released, we, as a movie going audience, were in a Tarantino drought. He hadn’t made a movie in a few years and everyone was getting restless. Then came Boondock, posing as a bastard child of the auteur. The film has flash, hip music and some style, but the characters are unlikable, rude and underdeveloped. We don’t know that much about them and we’re never given enough to care about them. Only near the end, when a middle aged hitman targets the duo, do we even see a shed of interesting drama among the lot. And thus, the film is flat, confusing and boring.
The film likes to shoot back and forth ala Tarantino, but again, it often wants to reveal something by flashing back, but other times it’s done with no real rhyme or reason, leaving the viewer confused as to what just happened. They end up asking: Did I miss something?
No you didn’t. The style of the film just doesn’t make any sense.
The odd part about Boondock is its message, which is somewhat intentionally mixed. The film poses the question: How far is too far in the name of justice? The answer will inevitably divide viewers as it should, however, for most of the movie; we are lead along a path that suggests that our heroes are right, not wrong. Only during the final moments, do feel that maybe these guys are wrong, and even then it’s up in the air. What works about the stories in The Punisher is that we’re always along for the ride, we’re having fun, but what we see Frank Castle do, is often so horrible that we pity those he’s punishing. That’s how this message should be conveyed. Unfortunately, the script is too lazy, or not brave enough, to go all the way. It tries to have fun, but it’s always forced.
The film isn’t without its moments though. The film is unapologetically violent and the story, while trite and cliché, has it’s moments of clever quirkiness, particularly the FBI agent Paul Smecker (Willem Dafoe). His character defies logic, to say the least. He’s interesting, but again the script becomes fearful of its own creation. Why don’t we ever get to know who this guy really is? He’s weird, but he could be so much weirder if we peeled back a few layers.
Boondock Saints is yet another cult film that just isn’t deserving of the title. It’s quirky and weird, but it plays against old ideas and boring concepts that are already cult in their own right. It’s a film that never delves deep enough into itself and in the end, it leaves hardcore cult fans wanting so much more, but not in the way it should. In other words, it’s a movie imitating a cult film, with strong aspirations of being one, but it’s just not bold enough earn the right.
*Film Scorecard*
As entertainment: * * ½
As a film: * *
Overall:
DVD REVIEW:
Video:
Presented in Anamorphic Widscreen 2:35:1, this double dip appears to be nothing more than the old transfer moved over to a new disc. Digital grain and halos are present during numerous daylight sequences. Colors also look a bit grey, but that could be the director’s intention. Either way, it’s not appealing, and if the director intended to make a Tarantino-esque movie, he should have noted how Tarantino uses color in his films.
There is a Full Frame version of the film on the other side of the disc.
Audio:
Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, this mix has its ups and downs. The center channel is mastered fairly well, but again, it’s a bit low. The surrounds get used occasionally, but your system will hardly get a workout from this actioner.
Also included are English subtitles and captions and Spanish subtitles.
Extras:
Most of the extras here were included in the original version. The set bills itself as two-disc, but could have easily been a single disc release. For a limited time, though, the new version of the film comes in a nifty tin case.
First up, the film is presented as an ‘Unrated’ edition. There is just a bit more gore in a few scenes. Nothing beyond that. I’d say this cut runs just a few seconds longer.
The only other new special feature is an additional Commentary from actor/comedian Billy Connolly. This commentary is very funny and well worth a listen for fans and non-fans alike.
The remaining features were on the original disc. There’s a very boring Commentary from writer/director Troy Duffy. He certainly likes his own film, but he pats himself on the back far too many times for my liking.
Finally, there are a few Deleted Scenes worth watching and a very funny Outtakes reel.
Trailers, filmographies and such, are also included.
Each side of the disc contains the always annoying and thankfully skippable ‘anti-piracy’ spot at the beginning of the disc. This time they're asking you not to buy pirated movies. Come on Fox, we are the ones BUYING or renting the real discs! We aren’t stealing them. We’re the GOOD GUYS! We aren’t downloading movies and we’re not buying bootleg movies, so stop telling us not to with your "cool, hip promo". It's bound to irritate consumers and make pirates laugh rather than feel guilty. I can’t stress this enough!
Final Thoughts:
Boondock Saints has its fan base. I can’t ignore that. So, if you hate the original DVD, then upgrade. It’s worth it for the new commentary and the cool tin. Newcomers may just want to rent this one as it may or may not be exactly what you’re looking for. Fans of this film should defiantly check out The Punisher graphic novel by Garth Ennis: Welcome Back, Frank. It’s everything this film should have been, and isn’t.
*DVD Scorecard*
Video: 7
Audio: 7
Extras: 7.5
Overall Value: 7.5
Unrated
* Running Time: 110 minutes
* List Price: $26.98
* Available on DVD May 23rd 2006.
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----R. L. Shaffer