Seven Psychopaths

A less successful picture, mostly because it's more concerned with its winking meta-textual framework than the larger humanistic concerns of his other work.

At times, the galloping absurdity drifts into off-the-peg comedy gangster cliché. But McDonagh's brilliant way with one-liners always claws back enough ground to stifle any groans.

There's not much point to a meta-film once the actual film has ceased to grip.

Self-aware stupidity does not equal wit.

Clever, ludic, perky, perspicacious - and ever so slightly tiring.

After a while the narrative falters, the ideas flag and it simply gets dull ...

As one character points out: “This thing’s got layers.”

In its efforts to be thought-provoking and unique, it nearly derails itself by transforming into something less than a whole, sensible project.

This is a dark, screwball comedy-drama that constantly surprises.

A testosterone-fueled, pseudo-road movie with a story that's smart, quick-witted, and self-referential.