Boondock Saints is one of my favorite movies of recent years. The movie was originally slated for a wide theatrical release, but a decision was made by the studio to directly channel the movie to home video in the wake of the Columbine tragedy due to the violent nature of the movie. However, even in this more limited release this movie has gained popularity and is fairly well known by most movie fans.

The movie is set in modern day Boston, featuring two Irish brothers. These two brothers happen there way into trouble with the Russian Mafia via their never-back-down attitude. The brothers are fed up with the corruption that the mob is bringing to society, and decided to engage in a form of vigilante justice. There friend is also connected loosely to this same mob scene, and a series of events spirals out of control to land the three men in very hot water with the Mafioso. The three of them are also being investigated at the same time by Willem Dafoe’s character, a homosexual FBI agent who uses unusual investigatory methods to place himself in the position of the criminals to better understand the crime scene. The plot features many unusual twists and turns, with several clever filming techniques to help bring together the various story lines in the same visual moment to the viewer. The film also contains numerous funny one-liners, along with the assortment of trashy characters one would expect to see in a movie about the mob (including a notable appearance by porn star Ron Jeremy). In the end the brothers and their friend are being sought after by a fearless assassin sent to kill them by the Mafia. Without revealing the rest of the plot it is sufficient to say that the brothers end up surviving, and that a vow is made to continue to fight against the corruption organized crime brings to society.

I would definitely recommend this movie to fans of other similar movies such as Reservoir Dogs. The plot is fun, suspenseful, and communicates a message to the movie watcher. The characters are dynamic individuals who evolve as the movie progresses, and the movie as a whole keeps one very entertained. The ending to the movie is a little too “cookie-cutter,” leaving one thinking that Hollywood was able to sink its claws somewhat into the plot to disturb what was otherwise an excellent film. Also, this film is very violent, so be wary of this if that type of action bothers you.


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age