Seven Psychopaths - Movie Review

With "Seven Psychopaths", there will be easy comparisons to similarly styled movies like "Reservoir Dogs", "Snatch", "Smokin' Aces", and "In Bruges" (which was also written and directed by Martin McDonagh) although there is something just a little more deranged going on here than any of those other films. From the very beginning, you realize this will not be just another shoot-em-up movie and you may even find yourself looking for a seat belt to keep yourself strapped in.

How do you even begin to describe a story this complex, strange, and completely entertaining? Well, there's aspiring author Marty (Colin Farrell) who is trying to write a novel although he only has the title and a bunch of blank pages. You have Billy (Sam Rockwell) who is an actor, best friend to Marty, and is just a little bit different. Then there's Hans (Christopher Walken) who, along with Billy, run a dog napping scheme that gives them their primary source of income.

Now you throw in Charlie (Woody Harrelson) who is a significant figure in the L.A. crime world, have Billy and Hans kidnap his beloved ShihTzu Bonny, and you have a recipe for a story that will either conclude with the classic no holds barred shootout, or just maybe it will go odd in a completely unexpected direction...or maybe both. Now, you may be thinking to yourself that my synopsis has only tallied four of the seven psychopaths. Well, that's assuming any or all of the principle cast are indeed psychopaths. You'll just have to watch the movie to find out.

Do you remember the first time you saw "Pulp Fiction" and how it had you constantly trying to figure out what the hell was going on, but in a totally awesome and entertaining way? Now, I'm not trying to compare this movie to that one, but there are some definite similarities in how this story unfolds. Where Tarantino basically invented a genre with a style that twisted and turned the story around in the least chronological order possible, McDonagh does something similar here, but not quite the same. I'd explain a bit more, but it would take a lot of the fun away and there are several "reveals" that you don't want ruined.

This movie would not be nearly as good if not for the brilliant job done putting together such a wonderful cast. While Walken and Harrelson both have an ability to absolutely own every scene they are in, we actually get to see both of them together on the same screen. Also, I have been waiting for Sam Rockwell to find a role that he can let loose on and he does not disappoint in any way, shape, or form.

Finally, if you like your gunfire, blood, and explosions coupled with excellent dialog, great acting, and a heavy dose of "What the hell!" type moments, then you really need to go see "Seven Psychopaths".