This latest offering from director Neil Jordan doesn't always make a lot of sense, but that's certainly part of it's charm. Twelve year old Eamonn Owens--in an incredible performance--is a young Irish lad with a lot of problems, who vents his frustrations in deadly ways. Although this isn't Jordan's best work (he did Interview with the Vampire and The Crying Game), it does offer terrific performances and some very bizarre images that have never been captured on film. Jordan has a tremendous ability for getting superb performances from everyone involved, especially his child actors. Owens maintains a comical tone throughout, but always has a hint of rage behind those eyes. The Butcher Boy is a sadistic dark comedy that probably won't have you discussing it when you've left the theater, but it will certainly have an effect on you as you watch it.