The Guard

I think "The Guard" will be my new Christmas Movie. The reference to Christmas is a tad irreverent, possibly even bordering on disrespectful, but with a wink. This light hearted Black Irish comedy is a modern incarnation of the spirit of Beowulf disguised under a blanket of subtle Irish references, although perhaps more along the lines of Joyce than Yeats. In particular the ending opens up in a way that is similar to the famous ending of "The Dead", although with a few Faustian touches. Even the slight alteration in the title is deliberate I'm certain. This film is hilarious, thought provoking, evil, and heart-warming. Worth repeat viewings.