Welcome to the Punch (2013) directed by Eran Creevey, 12th March

Plot 

Three years after master robber Jake Sternwood escapes England he has to return to London to rescue his son who has been gunned down mysteriously, allowing  detective Max Lewinsky another chance to catch him and give him redemption.

Review

Over the last few years the recent slew of Brit crime films that have made it to the silver screen have been a little disappointing with either cliched cockney gangsters or marauding gangs of youths. So I did not have high expectations for this film even with the name of Ridley Scott attached to this film.

Jake Sternwood returns to London to rescue his son allowing Max an opportunity to arrest his nemesis but not is all as it seems. Max is double crossed and an unlikely partnership between Jake and Max is formed so they can work out what is going on around them.

The issue with this film is the story. Unfortunately the story is a little thin and there is not much character development so you don't feel emotionally attached to any of the main characters. There is a political angle as well which is hinted at the start but just does not really feel satisfactory and appears to be tagged on. The film does explain all and it does tie in all the threads in the final exposition when Max finally works out what is going on but it feels altogether rushed.

Mark Strong playing Jake Sternwood gives a mean and moody performance. Whilst James McAvoy is a fresh faced but tightly wound detective given a shot at redemption after failing to catch him once before which left him physically and mentally damaged.

It is quite a violent film but not graphic and allows the audience to use their imagination for the graphic and brutal nature of the act.

Dare I say the film could have been 20 minutes longer to allow for more character development and given a more satisfactory feel to the film but I fear that the pacing and tension may have been lost in doing so.

There is a light comedy moment with the Granny house scene to an otherwise unrelenting onslaught in pace to the film and slows it down too. The slow-mo shoot out also works here and adds to the film.

What really works for the film is the pacing which gives great tension and a tautness to it. The blue wash look to London quite suits the film too.

The film ends with an opportunity for a sequel.

This is a fast paced action cops and robbers thriller which lasts for 100 minutes. The suspense and tension is there and it is a roller coaster of a ride leaving you on the edge of the seat. Forget the thinness of the story enjoy the ride or the punch that the film gives.

8/10