FilmSnobReviews

Title: Calvary
MPAA Rating: R
Director: John McDonagh
Starring: Brendan Gleeson, Chris O’Dowd, Kelly Reilly
Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins

What It Is: Father James is the priest at a small Irish parish. Here’s a man that loves and appreciates his congregation, and for the most part those feelings are mutual. However, one Sunday he is running confession when a mysterious man tells him a story about his molestation by a catholic priest. He tells Father James that he is going to kill him, that he must. That killing a good priest will offset the sins of the bad ones. It is here where the man tells Father James that on Sunday he is going to kill him. That sets the table for a truly amazing ride as we live out what could very well be this holy man’s last week. Furthermore who is this mystery man? As we’re introduced to the various people from his congregation one thing is certain…Father James has a hell of a lot of repentance to hand out.

What We Think: First of all Brendan Gleeson is great in like everything. You name it In Bruges, The Guardian, Green Zone, and even something not so good like The Raven he always has that way about his character were you know he could probably kick your ass even though he looks like your dah! Here is no different he carries this thing and it’s got a lot of weight to it, so Gleeson’s load is heavy. That being said he does exactly what he needs to here. When dealing with people in peril or even his own troubled daughter (played well by Kelly Reilly)

Our Grade: B+, It’s an amazing film it’s sluggish pace and uneven editing make for some awkward scenes. But nothing, nothing can stop the train that is Father James in this thing. A cameo by Brenden Gleson’s son Domhnall, and a razor’s edge approach to it’s sensitive subject matter make this tour de force an unstoppable ride. Go see this darn thing. You won’t regret it.