Get us in your inbox

Welcome to the Punch

  • Film
  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
Welcome to the Punch.jpg
Advertising

Time Out says

3 out of 5 stars

The idea of a pacy Hollywood or Hong Kong-style crime thriller set in London isn’t exactly a new one, but – James Bond aside – it just never seems to work: just think of ‘Blue Ice’, ‘Blitz’, or, God forbid, ‘Basic Instinct 2’. After his 2008 directorial debut ‘Shifty’ won critical acclaim, Eran Creevy decided to move his career up a gear and make the ultimate London action flick, and he roped in producer-adviser Ridley Scott to help him realise his vision. The result is confused, sketchily plotted and rather bland – but not a complete disaster.

James McAvoy is miscast as Max, a brooding loner cop on the trail of Mark Strong’s crime boss. The tale twists and rambles, visiting dirty cops, corrupt businesses and rival gangs. By rights, this should work a lot better than it does: it’s nicely shot, decently played (McAvoy’s muttering, try-hard turn aside) and packed with incident. But there’s simply no momentum and no tension. When it’s over, all you’ll remember is a whole lot of gunfire and shouting.

Written by Tom Huddleston

Release Details

  • Rated:15
  • Release date:Friday 15 March 2013
  • Duration:100 mins

Cast and crew

  • Director:Eran Creevy
  • Screenwriter:Eran Creevy
  • Cast:
    • James McAvoy
    • Mark Strong
    • Andrea Riseborough
    • David Morrissey
Advertising
You may also like
You may also like