In Bruges

This is the first great movie of 2008. Colin Farrell makes up for Alexander with his best performance yet as Ray, a guilt-ridden hit man sent on a job in Bruges, Belgium with another, more weathered hit man (Brendan Gleeson). The two are waiting for a call from their boss, Harry (a hilarious Ralph Fiennes) who will give them their assignment. Ray hates the town, hates himself and hates the world, and Farrell couldn’t be funnier in the role. Writer and first-time director, Martin McDonagh, makes an incredible and unique debut. McDonagh is famous for some dark Irish plays (including The Pillowman) and his words have plenty of sting on screen. He’s also great with actors, getting prime work from Farrell and Gleeson. This one is out early in the year, but it needs to be remembered at year’s end. McDonagh looks like a force to be reckoned with, and Farrell has had his career renewed. I honestly had no idea he was capable of a performance like this.