Written and Directed by John Michael
McDonagh, this little gem starring Michael Pena and Alexander Skarsgard was
released in theatres in February of 2017 to mixed reviews and a lack luster Box
Office. All I knew going into watching this movie was that it was a bad cops as
good guys themed comedy, I had no idea I was in for one of the freshest and
most quotable movies I had seen in a long while.
This movie stands out in so many positive ways.
From the gritty cinematography to the poignant soundtrack and wrapped up with
the chemistry between these almost unbelievable characters that as a viewer you
bond with almost immediately and root for the entire film.
The story is pretty simple. Pena and
Skarsgard play Bob and Terry, New Mexico’s dirtiest cops. Best friends and
partners, these two take what they want from the degenerates they incarcerate,
proving that they are far more dangerous than the criminals they are pursuing.
When a robbery leaves a million dollars up for grabs, Bob and Terry are quick
on its trail but when the thieves push back it quickly becomes personal.
Far and away the best part of the film is
Pena and Skarsgard. Their chemistry is just amazing as can be clearly seen from
their on screen timing and delivery. On the surface they have an almost
effortless friends for life relationship but throughout the film you see it
goes much deeper. They serve as opposing sides of a Yin Yang. Bob is the family
guy with a perfect wife and funny kids. Terry is the one with the dark past and
no one else in his life but his partner. Instead of using this to contrast the
two characters as per Hollywood usual, it’s pushed aside in favor of having the
two be completely on the same page at every turn in the story. They are the ultimate “Ride or Die” for each
other friends and with the other characters close to them so seemingly ok with
how seriously they haven’t taken their oaths as officers (with the exception of
their Captain) it plays as the centerpiece for the entire movie.
The opening shot has them chasing down a
mime who is on foot while they are driving. Bob says one simple line. “I’ve always
wondered, if you hit a mime, does he make a sound.” And with that they run over the mime and then
proceed to seem to rob him. That’s one
minute into the movie and it doesn’t stop there. The pace of the movie keeps
the tempo high. Occasionally they even show scenes that stop the story and
focus on Terry’s dark side but even those don’t stop the tempo of the entire
film.
The attitude they bring to the screen is akin
to Jim Carrey’s alternate ego from Me Myself and Irene only in a completely positive
light. If a suspect gives them attitude they kick him in the nuts and then 15
seconds later they are doing drugs together.
And it doesn’t stop with them. Their snitches, Bob’s wife and Terry’s
girlfriend, the bad guy, the lackeys, hell, even Bob’s kids all share this same
Zero Fucks given attitude. This lets the character’s actions go far beyond what
we would normally consider rational in a movie and the audience comes along
completely making it a true escape from reality. Without giving away the
ending, the film still manages to pull together a decently dramatic finale that
gives some of what you would traditionally expect from a movie like this but
still keeping its unique style.
Best for last is the dialogue. It is fast
and off the wall. As if most of the character’s lack filters and say the most
messed up things without thinking or feeling any shame. Completely unforgiving
and not politically correct at all, it will have you quoting lines like “I hate
murder, I hate it!” and “You want to adopt a homless kid”. (and no, I did not misspell
homeless) I cannot recommend this movie enough and expect it to reach a cult
status. Give it a try, you won’t be sorry.