Welcome To The Punch

Last week I reviewed Welcome To The Punch.

What word would best describe it?

Grungy.

But I like myself some grunge every now and then.

It started off quite glamorous and almost American; shiny, tall city buildings and a standard heist chase scene.

So it gives you the impression the rest of the film will be the same.

However, a key event in the equilibrium changes the narrative from there on.

Then we get to the British, grungy style that we like.

I say British, don't interpret this to be 007 British with Aston Martins and pretentious English accents left, right and centre.

British as in, bent coppers and tea with your nan.

The film highlighted current issues in society such as corrupt police and politicians and the increase of gun crime in the UK. This makes it relatable to a mass audience in Britain.

Wise move.

Although, it limits foreign audience.

But as Brits, sometimes we want to make or watch a good old fashioned British film with the slang and dialect WE understand.

And so sometimes, we don't really care about that nonsense do we?

James McAvoy was brilliant in this role, very similar to his role in Wanted. He can really get into gritty roles, which I appreciate.

Mark Strong and Andrea Riseborough fit their roles respectively too. Not outstanding, but good nonetheless.

But it was Johnny Harris that kept me fixated.

After This Is England '88, I have been unable to forget him.

His character portrayals in both This Is England '88 and Welcome To The Punch are incredible. As his characters onscreen, he is hugely emotive for all the right reasons. I feel intimidated just watching him. And to me, that is brilliance.

Time will tell as to whether he will be typecast in these specific roles.