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.

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