In Bruges - B+

In theaters. Rated R, 107 minutes. Trailer.

Bruges is a beautiful Belgian city with swans and medieval architecture in spades. All of that is lost on Ray (Collin Farrell), a rookie hitman hiding out after he botched his first job by killing the target plus a praying 7 year old boy. Accompanying him in hiding is Ken (Brendan Gleeson), a cultured veteran hitman. The two initially explore the town awaiting a call from their boss, Harry (Ralph Fiennes). The film is funny, sharp and presents some decent moral questions. Click below for the rest of "In Bruges."

Ray is unable to shake the implications of his killing of the innocent boy, and Ken is trying to help him work through it as they explore the city. After Harry charges Ken with killing Ray, Harry comes to Bruges to handle the work himself. The ensuing chase and wind up are well done and entertaining. The film is clever and original, with dialogue to match. There are elements of Hot Fuzz, Snatch and Layer Cake, but this feels different than those films. It is not gritty and only occasionaly veers into a 'heavy' tone. Farrell is great as the goofy but introspective Ray, with Gleeson and Fiennes also turning in strong performances.

The best of the year so far.