“I almost got killed today because you kidnapped the wrong dog”
What do you get when you mix seven psychopaths, a supporting role by an expressionless Shih Tzu and over-the-top Tarantino-esque violence? You get a sharply penned script with killer dialogue and grade-A talent hysterically meshed together. But more importantly, you get Christopher Walken.
Thanks to the Chive…I was able to see Seven Psychopaths two weeks before its theatrical release. Here’s what I thought:
The Irish writer-director of 2008’s In Bruges, Martin McDonagh, takes a step in Hollywood’s direction as playwright turned filmmaker with 2012’s Seven Psychopaths. Throwing Hollywood film making in our face, this film is first a comedy and secondly a witty commentary on the idea of violence as entertainment in cinema. He’s right on target. Encroaching on Tarantino’s iconic style of violence, McDonagh proves that not only can do it too, and make it look good, but addresses what all his characters are thinking…does violence constitute a good script? Marty doesn’t think so.
Marty (Colin Farrell) is an Irish alcoholic struggling in Los Angeles to pen his next screenplay, Seven Psychopaths, but hits a dry spell for inspiration. Marty wants his plot to be unique and edgy, but not too violent and not too dull. He throws in the idea of a Buddhist psychopath to join the seven, but questions how the other six will pan out. Marty’s best friend Billy (Sam Rockwell) assists Marty in piecing together his characters, with less pacifism and a more violent “shoot-em-up” twist…the ingredient for box-office success. Violence sells, right?
But there’s a catch. Billy’s got a dognapping gig on the side…stealing dogs from visibly wealthy owners, housing them in a makeshift animal shelter and resurfacing with the dog days later after the desperate owner posts flyers with generous rewards$$ for the safe return of their beloved pooch. Billy’s partner in this scheme is Hans (Christopher Walken). Hans, a surprisingly touching character in the film, developed the risky business to raise money for his wife, hospitalized with cancer. It’s a low profile gig with seemingly no violence, until Billy steals the wrong dog. [See below]
Meet Charlie Costello (Woody Harrelson). A legitimate psychopath/criminal with an extremely silly adoration for his pint-sized Shih Tzu, Bonny, whose dog collar reads something like “If you don’t return my dog, I’ll kill you.” Marty finds himself unintentionally intertwined in a complete disaster with Billy and Hans when they realize they’ve stolen a psychopath’s dog. And to top it all off, Billy places an ad in the paper looking for “psychopaths” who are willing to tell their tale for Marty’s screenplay, in hopes of further sparking more inspiration.
What makes this entire plot hilarious and well-scripted, is that the characters in the movie “re-write” the script as it’s happening…virtually manipulating how they want their story to pan out. Hence, the best shootout ever. Or is it? 
Both verbally and visually amusing, this film enters the rankings of my top-tier films of the years, falling with Beasts of the Southern Wild and Killer Joe. It doesn’t follow a specific format, and doesn’t cater to cinematic expectations. And for that reason, it’s great. It’s not all just silly and laughs, although there’s plenty of that, there is a slight emotional edge of melancholy depicted by Christopher Walken’s character. It all brews together into a cinematic explosion of creativity that 2012 desperately needed, and it will be one of the few films this year that you’ll have to watch more than once.
“The film as violent as it is and irreverent as it is and profane as it is…it’s a really sweet film. At it’s core…like In Bruges was. It’s about love and friendship. It’s about putting all ghosts to rest and moving on. And it’s about peace. And violence against violence. That’s the biggest trick of it. It’s really about a cry against violence.” — Colin Farrell with Tribute for TIFF2012
On the Screen Reviews 
This movie sounds spectacularly bizarre and hilarious. Because I liked In Bruges so much, and based on your review, I’m really looking forward to this one.
By the way, that lost dog poster with Woody Harrelson cracks me up.
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The Woody Harrelson poster perfectly summarizes his character in the movie… So well😂
Being a fan of Walken anD Harrellson to beging with, this movie already had my attention. The plot seems hysterical and anything out of the norm these days is needed in film. Can’t wait to see it.
As great as Walken and Harrelson are, all the actors in this movie hold their own. Really incredible ensemble cast.
You have no idea how bad I can’t wait for this movie. Just a few more days! I just skimmed the review because I don’t want anything ruined for me but the stars at the top show you liked it (f**k yes).
There are no spoilers in my review! I just glossed over the plot. Definitely watch the first video at the bottom…behind the scenes of the movie…so hilarious.
Awesome review! I can’t wait to see this one, I’m a huge fan of In Bruges, Harrelson and Rockwell and I adore Shih Tzus!
You’ll adore Christopher Walken after seeing this. I swear.
The trailer clips look really insane, especially looking forward to dialogue, Walken seems perfectly cast. Glad to hear you enjoyed the movie! Still haven’t watched In Bruges, got to get that done soon.
In Bruges was good, but I liked Seven Psychopaths more!
I wouldn’t steal the shih tzu … great energetic film. Glad you liked it.
Good review. This movie was great and kept me watching the whole time. I didn’t feel much for these characters, as much as I felt for the ones in In Bruges, but I still had a fun time listening to everybody speak this snappy dialogue out.
I felt for Christopher Walken’s character… I thought his whole subplot was touching.
I love that Harrelson poster! There’s so much to like and enjoy about this film. I really can’t wait to see it again. Nice review, Courtney.
It’s definitely a film worth seeing twice in theaters.
Wasn’t a big fan of In Bruges, but I’m excited for this one. Great review.
Honestly, I wasn’t either, but I know we fall in the minority. Seven Psychopaths is much better, in my opinion. It’s hard not to like this one!
Excellent review, I really want to see this film now.
Loved this review. I am all over the trailer, not just because of the incredibly cute dog either. Can’t wait for it to come out over here.
This movie really flew under the radar…it’s so brilliant. One of my favorites of the year!
NICE!! I am chuffed you like this one too. The guys I went with to se the film didnt like it at all…
[…] Bottom Line: This is either a love it or hate it type of movie, and I loved it. Seven Psychopaths boasts the most hilarious ensemble cast–Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell and Christopher Walken specifically. There’s a lot you can’t take seriously about this film, and there’s a lot of Tarantino-esque violence, but there’s a heart at the core of all the silliness that ties in well to the plot. My Review […]
[…] Bottom Line: This is either a love it or hate it type of movie, and I loved it. Seven Psychopaths boasts the most hilarious ensemble cast–Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell and Christopher Walken specifically. There’s a lot you can’t take seriously about this film, and there’s a lot of Tarantino-esque violence, but there’s a heart at the core of all the silliness that ties in well to the plot. My Review […]
Damn, you really have a talent in gif-making.