BRUGES Versus BRUGES

This week's death match is between the over-appraised indie movie In Bruges and the under-appraised mainstream movie In Bruges. It may seem strange to pit a movie against itself, but perspective is everything, and how you approach this lovable hitman picture, makes all the difference. On one level this Colin Farrell vehicle is sheer delightful, emotional entertainment. On another it could be dismissed as a Quenten Tarantino or Guy Ritchie ripoff.

To look at In Bruges from the angle of academic vivisection the picture is overrated when it comes to artful and aesthetic renderment. Colin Farrell, once the future Brad Pitt and then the whipping boy of every Hollywood bean counter, finally seems to be having fun. For indie fare, this is hardly a positive trait. Dourness, pensiveness and restraint are the hallmarks of the "good" indie actor, yet for this role, Farrell shrugs off such expected conventions like the bad boy we all want him to be. His partner in crime, Brendan Gleeson, he of the large hands and larger heart turns in another patented calm-cum-scary role. Not enough variation to form a new path, but critics will continue to sing his praises until the masses follow. Ralph Fiennes practically overacts to the point of Pacino-ism, melding Ben Kingsley's Sexy Beast with any Scorcese Joe Pesci role. It all really plays out like an artificial intelligence version of all grit films put out by Miramax in the Weinsten-era.

To look at In Bruges from the angle of fun, fun, fun, it's definitely underrated when compared to today's popcorn movies. Funnier than most comedies out today and more feeling than most dramas, In Bruges is being overlooked quite too fast and much to much. From its hard to pronounce title to its European look and feel, it's a bit too intimidating for your typical Saturday night couple. Had it been Will Farrell in the title role, maybe more would see the flick. Only, seeing more funnyman Farrell butt is the last thing needed here. To look at this movie as pure entertainment, little more is needed except a more viewer-friendly marketing campaign and more real estate in your local cineplex. Then Colin Farrell will finally get the attention he deserves. Ray Winstone will finally get his due for being the teddy bear-strong man that he is. And Ralph Fiennes' over-acting will be duly accepted for what it is, simple, dumb, fun.