'The Guard' review:

I reviewed Irish black comedy 'The Guard' back in February when it played in Berlin. I thought it was a highlight of that festival (one of three or four stand-out films) and it has since justly gone on to do really good business in Ireland prior to its UK-wide release yesterday.

Written and directed by John Michael McDonagh, brother of 'In Bruges' helmer Martin, 'The Guard' shares that film's irreverent sense of humour and brilliant co-star Brendan Gleeson. He's joined here by Don Cheadle who plays the American FBI agent summoned to Gleeson's rural cop beat in Ireland, where the mismatched duo attempt to solve a drug-related homicide case. It's a culture clash comedy that never pulls its punches, though nor is it ever needlessly offensive even if some might praise the script for a perceived lack of so-called "political correctness".

It perhaps lacks the heartfelt sincerity of that other film, but 'The Guard' is every bit as funny and shocking as its cinematic cousin.

Read my full review here.

'The Guard' is rated '15' by the BBFC and is out now in the UK.