London Boulevard isn’t the first gangster movie in which a criminal, in this case Mitchel (Colin Farrell), who has just been released out of prison want to leave his past behind him. “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in” as the Godfather reminds us. Although more of these type of movies have been made it’s alway possible to tell this in an exciting new way. Is London Boulevard capable of providing this or is it comparable to a TV dinner?
When Mitchel is released from prison he makes it clear to his partner in crime, Billy, that he’s no longer interested in new jobs. He manages to get a new job as a bodyguard for Charlotte, who is a famous actress (played by Keira Knightley). As she has just broken up her house is bombarded with attention from the paparazzi and it’s Mitchel’s job to make sure that she feels safe.
But as things go it is difficult to stay away from crime as Billy introduces him to Gant (Ray Winstone), a very dangerous and big man in the London crime scene. Billy almost forces him to start working for him but he refuses, a choice he will have to live with and make sure that the people he cares for are protected.
On paper this sounds like a good movie, but unfortunately the reality is different. The characters don’t have enough depth to them and because of it not all relationships are believable. Kiera Knightley only has a small role and in her scenes she doesn’t get too much to do, which makes her character insignificant.
Ray Winstone manages to convince as gangster boss and manages to make the role his own, he really convinces and makes Gant a criminal who you wouldn’t want to meet. Farrell manages to act just as convincing though and there is a real tension between the two. Farrell’s character wants to leave his old life behind him, but still is used to the lifestyle which is still present underneath the surface. When it is needed he is still willing to show his teeth AND bite.
The movie was entertaining, but never surprising. It was mainly the last 30 minutes which I enjoyed the most, but my expectation of the movie were higher. It’s a movie which you feel could have been better with some extra attention, but because it didn’t feels like a disappointing copy of Carlito’s Way.
Score: 5
Good to see you review this, as it is a film I wanted to see a while back but didn’t get round to. Not surprised to hear that Ray Winstone manages to convince as gangster boss as this is his bread and butter.
I have heard bad things about Farrell trying to put on a cockney accent very badly in this. What were your thoughts on this?
I really can’t respond on that as I’m not a native speaker I really don’t hear the accents as much.
I’m not surprised by the score it’s gotten and what you’ve written about it. It seems like a mediocre film. Someday I will watch it because Keira used to be my fave actress when I was in high school.
There are far better movies to watch, so it’s one of those movies you might throw on if you don’t know what else to watch.
It was not my intention to watch the movie, but there’s nothing good in the theaters. But to me it has a surprising ending. Keira and Colin Farell’s spark didn’t look clear at first.
It was kind of surprising, but not something which was something that I hadn’t seen before.
Nice Review Nostra, It seems you enjoyed the film a little more than I.
I found Farrell weak in it, not really grasping the accent and therefore not being a convincing gangster. Why they couldn’t have changed him to be an Irish Gangster living in London I will never know. Farrell is just rubbish at accents, OK his US one is ok, but cockney is not good for him.
The chemistry between him and Knightley was shocking too, just felt like brother and sister snogging…horrid.
Nicely written review though Nostra, thanks!!
C
It’s really because of the last half hour and the amazing role by Ray Winstone that I’ve given it a 5. I’m also a sucker for crime movies and this was entertained me enough to at least give it that score.
I totally agree with you about Winstone in this film very cool although i think it may be a role he could play with his eyes closed, being such a bad ass!!
Also I thought David Thewlis was pretty good in the film too
C