Brendan Gleeson, who you may recall from the 2008 black comedy In Burges, plays the cheeky Sergeant Gerry Boyle, a canny small-town Irish cop who doesn’t mind perverting the occasional law. When the FBI tracks a crew of drug-runners to his hamlet, Boyle is forced to team up with Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle), a straight-laced, by-the book, American agent. Gleeson is absolutely arresting in the Boyle role, and we’re personally hoping for a Dirty Harry-like run of sequels. Written and directed by John Michael McDonagh, The Guard is a witty, fun film.

The Guard is a Sony Picture Classics release.

(Originally appeared on Flavorpill.com in July 2011)