
New Irish film Calvary looks like it is a must see. Centring in a small village on the Emerald isles ,it stars Brendan Gleeson as a benevolent priest who is threatened to be killed for the villager’s sins in seven days. As he tries to figure out who is the person threatening an attempt on his life, he unearths some deadly secrets in his town. This incredible drama cannot be more blessed than to have Brendan Gleeson playing the lead. The Irish Actor has been nominated and won a lot of awards from BAFTAs to Emmys in his roles. While many may know him from the Harry Potter series, this actor is not bereft of talent and here are just some (because, frankly, we want to say all) of the essential movies that you should catch.

We are a site full of geeks so it would be erroneous at best to not include Gleeson’s portrayal of one of Harry Potter’s biggest heroes; Alaster “Mad Eye” Moody. Though he does succumb to Death Eaters in Deathly Hallows part one, the enigmatic and gruff Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher was the one who helped guide Harry throughout the trials of the Triwizard Tournament. Of course, it is really Barty Crouch Jr in disguise but Gleeson is able to play to somewhat sinister Moody effectively well and brings life to a wonderful, much-loved character from the book series.

Well, it wouldn’t be an essentials list without a guilty pleasure. This one comes straight from our writer Paul Costello and we couldn’t resist including it in this tantalising list. Lake Placid also stars Oliver Platt and Bill Pullman. It is basically a horror flick about a giant crocodile in a pissing lake that keeps eating people. A dysfunctional is sent on a quest to destroy it. Nevertheless, Lake Placid is an enjoyable farce with Gleeson playing Sherriff Hank Keough and has the mostly insanely good comedic timing and delivery of the whole show. It’s a guilty pleasure, but it’s such a cheesy pleasure that you can enjoy it time and time again.

This is a personal favourite of mine but 28 Days Later is the definitive zombie flick. Taking the slow, shuffling zombies and hitting them with a shot of adrenaline, Danny Boyle’s indie flick took the director to dizzying heights. On the roster of bustling talent, Brendan Gleeson is almost unrecognisable as East End father Frank trying his hardest to protect his daughter, taking in Jim and Selena and convincing them to head to a retreat in Manchester where soldiers are residing. Gleeson makes Frank one of the more relatable, likeable characters as he, without thought, fathers the little gang. When that single drop of blood falls, though, it is one of the more unbearable moments of the film.

It is really hard not to include the most successful Irish film of all time in this list. The Guard also stars Iron Man 2 actor Don Cheadle and is hilariously dark, very suited for Gleeson’s range. Filled with the utmost profanity and disgustingness, it stars the Gleeson as a crass drug taking security guard who comes across a murder. Written by John Michael McDonagh, who also pens Calvary, Gleeson excels in The Guard. He is despicable and fun but also bursting with complete utter energy that bounces off the vileness and the hilarity with precision. If you haven’t watched it, do so. It is quintessential for those who love movies such as Filth.

The best movie on this list and if you haven’t watched it, you can abandon the computer, pop it on right now and come back to tell us how right we were. In Bruges is hilarious, fast paced and ingenious. Starring the likes of Ralph Fiennes and Colin Farrell (both equally spectacular) it is an superb film that features on many, many, top lists. It stars Gleeson and Farrell as two hit men sent to Bruges after the younger accidentally killed a child. When their mob boss Harry decides to kill him, they embark on one of the greatest cat and mouse chases ever. It is an excavation of human spirit and wit as well as a toil with consciousness that hits every spot, every time. Gleeson is nothing short of spectacular here, he is hilarious and full of depth, providing some of the tender moments. Basically, you need to watch it!
Calvary is out today!