by Missy Thompson

STAFF WRITER

It was a quick turnaround for the 2008 Sundance Film Festival's opening night film "In Bruges" to open a few weeks later in theaters nationwide. The premiere of "In Bruges" in Park City was met with a warm welcome and became a fan favorite. Now audiences will get the chance to see what all the fuss was about.

While I believe "In Bruges" is a hilarious dark comedy, some audiences may not feel the same positive vibe. But writer/director Martin McDonagh's feature film debut is something to be admired. The film also serves as a wonderful character analysis of Colin Farrell's Ray and Brendan Gleeson's Ken. The acting is absolutely superb.

What's so wonderful about this film is how McDonagh combines the comedy with a crime thriller and makes it fun to watch. During a different screening at Sundance, someone told me that "In Bruges" brings out every emotion one can get out of a film. That description is absolutely spot on. At one point, I was laughing hysterically and the next surprised by the violence taking place.

The downside to "In Bruges" is the casual, bloody violence that audiences may believe is too insensitive. That's part of the dark humor that engulfs the film. If you're able to look beyond the seeming indifference of the characters, it's easy to get sucked into the plot and enjoy "In Bruges."

The film begins with Ray telling the audience that he's been sent out of London after a botched kill-job. He and fellow comrade Ken are sent to Bruges, Belgium, a place Ray describes as not impressive. However, Ken is enthralled by the medieval architecture, flowing canals and cobble streets.

As they await details from their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes), Ray stumbles on to a movie set that features a dwarf named Jimmy (Jordan Prentice). For some reason, this character becomes essential to the plot as Ray is obsessed with the short-statured American. Ray also meets Chloë (Cémencé Poésy), a drug-dealing local who steals from tourists and falls instantly in love with her.

The story begins to emerge of why Ken and Ray left London in the first place. On Ray's first hit-man job, he was supposed to kill a priest and accidentally hit an innocent bystander. The consequence of which is Ken having to take Ray out. In the meantime, Ray's opinion of Bruges hasn't changed, but his opinion of himself has changed. The guilt of killing and being a hit man gets to Ray and causes him to rethink his entire life.

"In Bruges" is the type of film you don't want to end because you're having such a good time. Although the violent scenes are incredibly gory, the humor overshadows that aspect of the film. If you have a weak stomach -- like I do -- take into consideration the incredible characters portrayed in "In Bruges."

This film definitely isn't for the faint of heart, but it's worth a chance. "In Bruges" rocked Sundance and will hopefully have the same effect on other audiences around the country.

missy@tooeletranscript.com

Grade: B+

Rated: R

Time: 107 minutes

Opens Friday