Watch Jack Taylor: The Pikeman

Jack Taylor: The Pikeman is a 2011 crime-thriller movie based on the novel "The Pikemen" by Ken Bruen. The movie follows the story of Jack Taylor, an ex-cop turned private investigator, as he investigates a series of gruesome murders plaguing the city of Galway. As the movie starts, we see Jack Taylor (played by Iain Glen) in a state of despair and alcoholism, still suffering from the fallout of a previous case he worked on, which led to the suicide of a young woman. But his life takes a turn when a man named Bill Cassell reaches out to him with a case of his missing daughter. Jack, despite being reluctant initially, takes up the case and as he delves deeper into it, he realizes the case is more complex than he thought.

Soon after, the city of Galway is rocked by a series of murders by a man wearing a pike helmet, a prominent historical item in the area. The murders all have a link to the Cassell family, leaving Jack to connect the dots and solve the case.

Along the way, Jack gets support from a couple of people, including his old flame Anne Henderson (played by Dora Christians) and a young girl, Cody Farraher (Katie Harris), who is a computer whiz but has gotten herself in trouble with the law. Jack employs her to help him with the case, and she proves to be an invaluable asset.

The movie is a gripping tale of a private investigator who is trying to redeem himself but finds himself trapped in a dangerous case, where the line between the good and the bad blurs. Iain Glen's portrayal of Jack Taylor is remarkable, conveying the character's complexities and demons with ease. The supporting cast also shines, especially Katie Harris, who delivers an engaging and lively performance as Cody.

The plot is well-crafted, with enough twists and turns to keep the audience engaged. There are several red herrings thrown in along the way, making it difficult to pinpoint the perpetrator until the very end. The setting, the picturesque city of Galway, adds to the charm of the movie and is portrayed beautifully, lending a haunting backdrop to the narrative.

Another factor that sets the movie apart is the use of Irish history and mythology throughout the plot. The pike helmet, which is used as a murder weapon, has a historical significance and is linked to Irish mythology. The movie also touches upon the "Land War" of the late 1800s, which was a significant moment in Irish history.

The movie is not without its flaws, though. There are a few instances where the pacing feels slow, and some of the characters' motivations are not entirely clear. However, these issues don't take away from the overall experience of the movie.

In conclusion, Jack Taylor: The Pikeman is a well-crafted crime thriller that is sure to keep the audience engaged throughout. The performances, especially Iain Glen's, are top-notch, and the plot is intriguing and keeps you guessing till the very end. For fans of crime thrillers, this movie is definitely worth a watch.