Seven Psychopaths Reviews

A funny dark comedy that has some very inspired moments, but McDonagh does not know exactly what to do with the material in his hands, and so he keeps pulling easy tricks out of his sleeves at the expense of a more elaborated structure.

This had the potential to be great, but it instead is somewhat of a sophomore slump for Martin McDonagh.

The heavily self referential plot concerns an alcoholic Irish screenwriter struggling through writer's block named Marty. His latest effort, "Seven Psychopaths" isn't even past the first page. His best friend Billy is an out of work actor who spends most of his time involved with a dog-napping scam with his buddy Hans who is quite religious, but also has a violent past. Billy tries his hardest to give Marty inspiration, but when he and Hans capture the beloved dog of crime boss Charlie, Marty finds himself caught up in their mess. While it could be a dire thing, it might also be just the inspiration he's been needing.

The film is essentially sort of about itself, and it shares a lot in common with stuff like Barton Fink, but especially Adaptation. However, this doesn't have the brilliance of either of those two, and is mostly a muddled and incoherent darkly comedic romp that satirizes mob movie/psycho thriller conventions.

It is very entertaining, and I dug the pitch black humor, but I also found it hard to really get deeply invested. It's as if McDonagh had a good idea, but then didn't really know what to do with it.

What saves the film, ultimately are the over-the-top violence, and the solid performances from a very well-known ensemble cast. I mean, we get Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, and Woody Harrelson in all the major roles, as well as appearances from Abbie Cornish, Tom Waits, Olga Kurylenko, Gabourey Sidibe, Kevin Corrigan, and Harry Dean Stanton.

The film is a mess, but it's fun while it lasts, even if it really doesn't add up to much.

An entertaining, unique film concerning a screenwriter (Colin Farrell) suffering from writer's block, and how his best friend (Sam Rockwell) tries to help him with a story titled "Seven Psychopaths" by finding actual psychopaths to give him ideas for how to construct his story. What results is a chaotic adventure concerning the kidnapping of one psychopath's (Woody Harrelson) dog, and his quest to find her and kill those who took her from him. Director Martin McDonagh keeps packing surprises and twists, as well as a unique directorial flair that is a breath of fresh air. The ensemble cast is terrific, namely Farrell and Christopher Walken (who steals the show, again), and the sense of humor it possesses is a nice touch for a dark and violent story. Not for all crowds, but for those that like action/comedies, this movie gets a ton right.

They Won't Take Any Shih Tzu.

Good movie! This script for this film is very original. There are a lot of twists in this movie plot-wise and genre-wise making it a fantastic, unpredictable adventure. Many would think that a movie that jumps around through different genres would be a bad thing, but this movie is so fluid and every plot point connects so well, that you aren't bothered in the slightest about deciding what the genre is of this film. A film with the title Seven Psychopaths promises intense violence and you will get that, but not just that. This is not a mindless movie that uses just blood as entertainment. This is a smart movie that has plot and meaning. Yes, it's violent but there is also drama and a surprising amount of comedy. All of the characters have a certain wit to them, delivering lines that are beyond hilarious. If you enjoy creative writing, talented acting, and movies that are all-around completely original, then I encourage you to see this movie.


The comedy Seven Psychopaths follows a struggling screenwriter ('Colin Farrell' ) who inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends (Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell) kidnap a gangster's (Woody Harrelson) beloved Shih Tzu.

This movie is incredibly unique. The story is so crazy that it works, and even when it doesn't the great cast picks up the slack. This film is dark, tense and hilarious, sometimes all at once. Great performances by Harrelson, Rockwell and Walken and a great screenplay.

three stars!

Not worth the expense of one DVD. Rather then watch this movie do somethng more productive like walk your dog, count rain drops, crush potato chips in a bag. 1/2 star 3-18-13

I was actually surprised at how good this movie was....and clever. Led by the Kings of Quirk, Christopher Walken, and Sam Rockwell, this very enjoyable film is filled with an ensemble cast that are all very fun to watch. Definitely bloody, and not at all for children.

My love for black comedy knows no bounds. Hilariously hard-hitting film.

Seven Psychopaths is an entertaining, witty, and often funny film with spot-on performances from everyone involved, but there's just something missing from the script toward the end that leaves an unsatisfying feeling. There's times when this films commentary can be funny and times when it thinks it is smarter than it actually is. The story is quite ridiculous, but in a hilarious tongue in cheek manner that is very entertaining until they hit the desert section of the film. That's when the film comes to a halt and it never fully recovers. Martin McDonagh is a director I'm going to pay attention to becomes he has a knack for these brutally violent and funny pictures in the vein of Tarantino. Seven Psychopaths is not as strong as his previous effort "In Bruges" and I can't quite fully recommend it, but it does have its pleasures. Chief among them some quality performances from Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, and Colin Farell.

Martin McDonagh's Seven Psychopaths tells a story about a story.A lot does happen within the 105 minutes of screen time, but the story as a whole isn't exactly a smooth ride. Watching a film about a guy writing the script for this very film does have its moments; although at others, it is a bit of a mind twister. The male characters each have character and that goes a long way here. The female characters on the other hand, go nowhere.The violence is hilariously brutal, yet not so much as to be considered overkill. As for the humor, it is subtle; this film isn't exactly a laugher.Colin Farrell may be the lead, but he ends up in the shadow of many others. Sam Rockwell is an irritant from time to time, but it is fitting for his character. Christopher Walken does what he does best; his line delivery is pure enjoyment. Woody Harrelson does live up as a gangster.By the end, Seven Psychopaths lives up to its name with a solid mesh of humor, violence, and a helping of psychopaths.

Billy: You can't let the animals die in a movie... only the women. 

"They Won't Take Any Shih Tzu."

This was a movie that I didn't really have an idea of going in. I didn't know if I would like it or hate it based on the trailer. It seemed like it could be smart, funny, and entertaining, but it also seemed like it could be a disappointment. Well it's anything but a disappointment. It was everything I could have possibly wanted. Seven Psychopaths is funny, it's entertaining, and it's surprisingly fresh. It's well acted, deviates from what you'd expect, and has a variety of interesting and unique characters.

A screenwriter is trying to write a movie called Seven Psychopaths, but he doesn't want it to be violent. He's sort of a pacifist, which isn't too great because he begins to notice that his life is being surrounded by psychopaths. It will help in writing the movie though, right? A friend of his kidnaps a gangsters dog and soon the gangster is after them. I don't want to give too many plot details away so I'll just stop there.

Sam Rockwell's character is enough to sell this movie by himself. It's one of the more unique, interesting, and funny characters I've seen in quite a long time. It helps that Woody Harrelson, Collin Farrell, and Christopher Walken's characters are also nearly perfect. This movie is definitely a character movie and with these talented actors and the great writing it all works so perfectly together. 

This isn't a movie like any you would expect, and for that I love it. I also love it for its use of making fun of Hollywood in ways. This is definitely a must see for film fans as it's something new and exciting in the world of the crime movie. So many times we end up watching the same movie over and over again with different characters, and a writer that thinks he's doing something original. With Seven Psychopaths, that promise was finally met.

"Seven Psychopaths was so, so good. It is one of my favorites that I have watched this year. What a great cast firstly. Collin, Walken, Rockwell, and Harrelson. That right there should be enough to see the movie all on it's own. Then there is the script. What a great story. It's smart, funny, and delivers great performances from the leading men. Love, love, loved Walken in this. I just really liked his character. Collin plays a bit of a scaredy cat in this which is a huge change from any other role he has ever been in. It was nice to see him in a new light. Rockwell is honest and a lot of fun. I really liked his character as well. Harrleson as Charlie was a perfect fit. He played his part to the T. It was funny seeing such a tough gangster type falling apart at the site of his dog. The movie is a good time. So glad I watched it and I will definitely be seeing this again."

This movie was certainly advertised wrong. But you know why? Because its such a different kind of movie, that I'm guessing it would be hard to advertise it for what it is! You may be asking "What is it exactly?". Well, its sort of like a mix of a gangster movie, (a lot of) meta, self-refrencing humor with a satisfying dramatic twist to it. All these mixes meet to make one deliciously hilarious movie. Overall- I want to watch this movie again. Even though I watched in February of 2013, I must say its on my list for best of 2012.

Martin McDonagh's self-aware screenplay-turned-nightmare film is a less focused affair than, say, similar offerings by Charlie Kaufman, and the film wants to say so much it seems to constantly forget and then remember everything it wants to say over and over again. Still, Seven Psychopaths is hugely entertaining - its funny, sharp, and has an insanely good ensemble cast, especially Sam Rockwell, who easily steals the film away from leading man Colin Farrell (Literally, too).

After In Bruges I was expecting the world from Martin McDonagh. He kept us waiting 4 years, and from the trailers you would expect this to be a laugh a second quotable film like its predecessor. Although very funny and brilliant, it's also a very different beast. It develops themes that were present, but to a lesser degree, in In Bruges, as well as tackling what I would assume to be some of Martin McDonagh's personal demons. After all, the main character is a writer named Martin, and he even takes digs at In Bruges with comments about exploding heads. The supporting cast are brilliant, especially my idol Tom Waits as a bizarre but brilliant bunny loving psychopath. The narrative is a bit all over the place, for good reason. Many times we are dragged into the incoherent thoughts of writers and psychopaths. Walken holds much of the emotional weight of the film and certainly delivers the goods. I get the feeling this film is going to be a real grower.

When "In Bruges" was released in 2008 it marked the emergence of Martin McDonagh, a filmmaker that was able to combine a dark crime drama with a real sense for the off-beat and provide unabashed politically incorrect humour. I wasn't exactly convinced in it's entirety but it offered something fresh and exciting. The same could be said for McDonagh's second feature, only this time it's sense for the off-beat is way off course and it's elaborate crime yarn, lacks coherence.
Marty (Colin Farrell), has been working for while on a Hollywood screenplay called 'Seven Psychopaths' but he hasn't got past the first page and has developed a reliance on alcohol to see him through it. His friend Billy (Sam Rockwell) is eager to help, so gives him anecdotes on real psychopaths that he's aware of. Some of which, include crazed gangster Charlie (Woody Harrelson) who loves his little Shih-Tzu dog, Bonny. It's only when Billy and his dognapper friend Hans (Christopher Walken) decide to steal Bonny, that Marty finds himself in all sorts of trouble - and inspiration.
The film sets it's stall up well, as we are introduced to Martin, a struggling, Irish, alcoholic writer with absolutely no creative spark whatsoever. It's a self-referential premise that has been done before - most notably by the Coen brothers when they wrote "Barton Fink" as a result of writer's block in trying to finish "Miller's Crossing". Only, McDonagh is not a Coen, nor is he a Quentin Tarantino - who he obviously fancies himself as. Those filmmakers have made strong career's from combining crime and comedy but after this sophomore effort, McDonagh doesn't match those aforementioned auteur's of cinema. "In Bruges" was so well received that this film gathered a lot of anticipation and it even allowed McDonagh to assemble a very impressive cast. It had all the ingredients for being another darkly humorous endeavour. Dark it may be, but it's seriously lacking in the humour department. While I was watching this, I had the feeling that something was just around the corner but when that corner was turned, there was still a vacantness. The jokes were forced and most dialogue and scenes were shoehorned in such a way that it was forcing laughs rather than earning them.
On the positive side, it had plenty of style and the performances, for the most part, were great; Farrell, Harrelson and especially, Rockwell and Walken, all seem to be having fun. There's also fine support by Tom Waits but the belief that this ensemble have in the material is squandered as McDonagh has no idea what he's doing. The story-within-a-story concept is nothing original but if tackled properly, it can be a very fulfilling journey and Charlie Kaufman's "Adaptation" is a prime example of how it should be done. This, however, is an example of how it shouldn't.
This is a wasted opportunity to create something really good. It's a clever idea and it could be said that the movie is one big in-joke. Although I'm aware of this, it's still the very incoherent and lazily written crime yarn that it proclaims to be against.
It thinks it's smarter and funnier than it actually is and goes down as the biggest disappointment of the year.

A British black comedy but you wouldn't really think it, this could almost be another Tarantino cauldron of tales all mixed together. Hell even the films poster has a Guy Ritchie look n feel to it, this could easily of been another cockney crime comedy with the usual suspects cast, in other words more of the same over used cockneys. Instead we have a Pacific coast take that normally wouldn't make me batter an eyelid but the cast is terrific.

The films kicks off with a typical Tarantino-ish in your face sequence (yes I promise not to try and use Tarantino anymore). Its simply two hitmen having a chat about killing folk in a quirky manner, your average day for some hitmen, just your average Tarant...oh shit!. Now this isn't really a spoiler as it doesn't effect the film sooooo...some hooded bloke walks up behind these guys and shoots them both in the head at point blank range. Now this is a close up moment and doesn't beat around the bush. BANG! we're off to a cracking start and I'm whimpering from the gore.

Talking of gore, this film has it, a little torture gore, but mainly outfight blowing people away gore with nice bloody squibs. Yet despite this there isn't a huge amount of violence, unlike a certain gore hooked director whose initials are QT. The film actually limits the blood n gore but gives you just enough, just enough to keep you happy but not disgust you (almost).

The plot is fairly straight forward but with some clever tiny twists and surprises, but nothing overly outstanding. Farrell's character is writing a movie screenplay called 'Seven Psychopaths' and is using his friends to help him along the way. His friends being Rockwell and Walken, the latter seems to be playing a parody of himself to a degree, and the criminal/underground world from which we know him in his career.

The story concept Farrell's character is trying to create seems to unfold before him in reality unexpectedly, this leads to much more in depth 'research' on killers than he would have liked. From this we get a nice sub plot about another psycho played by Waits whose character flits in and out of the main story but adds a nice charm if I can say that. The whole film is more or less a parody of your typical Hollywood twisted crime thrillers, almost a homage to Tarantino (argh!), Ritchie or Matthew Vaughn even, whilst slightly mocking them at the same time.

What I like about this film is how each psycho is brought to your attention throughout the film. Its not too hard to work out what's gonna happen as characters reveal themselves and the unpredictable gangster boss played by Harrelson takes pursuit. The story does tend to drift somewhat from the midway point as we near the finale, it does get a bit more cartoony and loses its edge.

The story is somewhat cliched and an average crime thriller but the characters do save the day luckily. The film isn't as funny as it would like to think it is and the violence can seem a touch uncomfortable as it swings back and forth with emotional moments. The more I think about it this film isn't quite as clever as Mr Director would have you believe but it does amuse thanks to a nice cast.

I usually really like movies like this, but something about this movie just didn't work for me. I'm not exactly sure what it was because there was a lot I liked. But when it was over I just felt on the fence about it as a whole. I watched it kind of late at night and was pretty tired, so that probably had an effect on the way I viewed it. Marty(Colin Farrell) is a writer who wants to finish his screenplay and his unemployed actor friend Billy(Sam Rockwell) wants to help him. Billy and Hans(Christopher Walken) are dog-nappers who kidnap a psycho gangster's(Woody Harrelson) dog. He LOVES that dog and is willing to do whatever it takes to get it back. From there, real life and his his screenplay run together. Everyone in this movie give great performances. Walken and Harrelson are the best and give some of their best work. There's a lot of good one liners, and very funny violent situations. A scene where a guy pulls a gun on Walken is hilarious. It runs kind of long, but it's very entertaining all the way through. I think that maybe this movie will be better the second time around for me, but right now it's just "meh". Definitely worth a watch if you like your comedies violent and very funny. I know I'm gonna watch it again sometime and I'll probably write a different review for it.