Taffin

Had seen this circulating on Netflix for a while, was only persuaded to watch it when I realised Alison Doody from The Last Crusade was in it. Even though she's old enough to be my mum she did look good back in the day!

Pierce Brosan stars in the titular role as a tough-as-nails Irish debt- collector. He's a fairly realistic depiction of the 'local tough guy' who sure as hell knows how to get the job done. He gets in a little over his head with some thugs but is able to use his brains as well as his brawn to overcome the odds.

Performances are good and well acted, Brosan and Doody especially. Although some of the accents are a little hit and miss. Even though those two are both Irish they don't actually sound it at times, whereas other times they do. Although maybe that's just me...

"Mark Taffin" (Pierce Brosnan) is a debt collector living and making his trade in a small town in Ireland. On one specific occasion he is called upon to collect a debt from one of the pubs and while in the process of collecting becomes acquainted with a beautiful woman working behind the bar named "Charlotte" (Alison Doody). Along with his brother, "Mo Taffin" (Patrick Bergen) and his good friend "Ed" (Gerard McSorley) she soon becomes a trusted and valued member of his inner circle. This becomes increasingly important when Mark is coerced into taking on a greedy corporation and some corrupt politicians who will stop at nothing to accomplish their goal of building a chemical plant in the town. Now rather than reveal any more of this movie and risk spoiling it for those who haven't seen it I will just say that this film turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Admittedly, it had some scenes which could have used some improvement here and there but overall, it wasn't too bad. I especially liked the film location and having an attractive actress like the aforementioned Alison Doody certainly didn't hurt in any way. That being said, I rate this film as slightly above average.

You have seen it before in The Specialist or in films like On Deadly Ground or The Fire Below. Tough guy goes against the evil corporate empire that is out for profit and the people be damned.

Of course, Steven Seagal or Sly Stallone may be quicker to jump into it that was Pierce Brosnan. He was battling his own personal demons, and just wanted to live a quiet life in the village of his birth; well, as quiet a life that can be lived by a bill collector. You know, make a little money, drink a little whiskey, and once in a while a pretty girl comes along like Alison Doody (Dr. Elsa Schneider in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade).

But, this is Pierce Brosnan and he is infinitely more watchable that the others.

I really liked this film. It's basicaly the idea of transporting a fifties B-western into 80s Ireland and from my poinbt of view it works fine. Imagine the storyline of a Budd Butticher b-western: hero of shady provenance, yet an interesting character, ruthless but good at heart takes on gang who terrorises small town. Don't expect twisted story lines here, it's straight forward. The story is well told, the characters are all quite interesting and it's really well executed particularly when the townsfolk suddenly decide they've had enough of Taffin. It's also well made in terms of character development; Taffin is a slacker and finally has to find his own way. And of course there is the lovely Alison Doodey.

A decent version of every old western movie where a lone gunslinger is reluctantly hired to fight the powers that be.

The difference is the Irish setting and the young absolutely cool Pierce Brosnan. His coolness and charm are in overdrive in this film. It's difficult to understand why he didn't have a career similar to Gerard Butler, the James Bond roll not withstanding.

If you like those old westerns and you like Pearce Brosnan. It's well worth a watch.