The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 30,2009

DVD Release Date: March 9, 2010

Plot 411: Two vigilantes come out of retirement when a priest is killed in cold blood.

Review: Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus reprise their role as Connor and Murphy, two brothers who at one time took the law into their own hands and became heroes in Boston. However, since that time they, along with their father (Billy Connolly) have retired to their motherland. When a priest is murdered, the brothers are drawn out of seclusion and head back to the States to take right some wrongs. Along the way, they take on a sidekick named Romeo (Clifton Collins Jr.) and must avoid capture by FBI special agent Bloom (Julie Benz). Unfortunately, this movie doesn't live up to the original. Yes, the first movie was campy as all hell, but this one is way, way worse. Plus, the awesome fight scenes and recreations from the first movie are no where to be seen in the second. When they are shown to the audience, they're boring and unimaginative. The snappy one-liners aren't so snappy in this movie. Even the relationship between the brothers isn't captured with the same enthusiasm. The best part of this film is Collins as he plays a bad guy with a lot of heart.

Watch It: If you're looking for a campy action flick to complement your beer.

Skip It: And do yourself a favor by re-watching the first one.

The Boondock Saints

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: December 17, 1999 (Denmark) / January 21, 2000 (USA)

DVD Release Date: May 21, 2002

Plot 411: Two Irish brothers become vigilantes and go on a killing spree to rid South Boston of evil doers.

Review: I thought this movie was very successful in weaving together a thoughtful plot while still managing to provide action and humor. Conner (Sean Patrick Flanery) and Murphy (Norman Reedus) are two regular guys working at a meatpacking plant. When the Russian mob tries to strongarm the owner of their favorite watering hole, they and the rest of the patrons set things straight. However, when the mobsters come for revenge, the brothers end up killing them in self defense. After this innocent altercation, they hear the voice of God telling them to clean up the bad streets of Boston. They proceed to work their way through Boston's Russian and Italian organized crime while trying to evade capture by FBI agent Paul Smecker (Willem Dafoe). I gotta tell you. There's nothing sexier than a gun-wielding guy with an accent, brains and a streak of do-gooder in him. Flanery and Reedus are captivating and so funny at times. Dafoe is great in this role as a homosexual FBI agent. He's eccentric and unorthodox CSI-style is pure entertainment at times. It's also interesting how religion, ethics and morals are tied into the movie. Like Smecker, the audience must choose between a lawful and unlawful method of dealing with crime. One is sometimes more effective than the other in eliminating bad components within society, however, is it justifiable to circumvent the law for your own purpose?

Watch It: For a good amount of action (read killing) and laughs or for the sexy Irish brogue.

Skip It: If you're shy about violence. This movie was once cut as NC-17 but recut to an R. I didn't think it was all that violent or bloody when compared to more recent films.

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