G-Men

Saw this just earlier on THRILLERMax, Cinemax's suspense channel. I surmise the depictions of the locales, the club scene and the character's backgrounds are as indigenous to Londoners as BOYS 'N' THE HOOD would be to people from Compton, and ONCE WERE WARRIORS would be to those folks struggling in the metropolitan slums of New Zealand's larger cities. That said, if you're not a fan of EASTENDERS, Guy Ritchie or British flicks in general, you'll find it rough going deciphering most of the dialogue, never mind the street slang.

Writer/director/star Andrew Goth makes like a Brit Spike Lee with a much better body and a thicker accent, with his freshman tale of two former prison mates just released, (how they are related is not really made very clear; are they brothers in the familial sense, or just brothers in crime?), and the different paths they choose to take once they're out. Ray (Goth) wants to turn his life around and use his connections to do good in the neighborhood and help out some struggling dance troupe/musician mates, while Terry (Goldie) has been, is and always will be content to live the life of a 'G-man.'

I'm not familiar with Goldie's history as a singer/musician, but I did recognize him from his role in the ensemble cast of SNATCH. I'm sure that Goth's playing it low-key was the choice he thought was right for Ray, and he does have a magnetic, physical presence that is undeniably compelling. But if his acting even equals what success I've read about him having as a musician, Goldie has quite a future ahead of him. He is as mesmerizing and terrifying in his psychopathic portrayal of an unhinged street thug as anything ever essayed on-screen by actors of the same mold, (think Ice-T), and manages to rip the movie out of Goth's muscular grip every time they appear in a scene together.

Besides hungering for the one thing that he is willing to give to no one else: respect, Terry also has some kind of psychosexual obsession/fascination with his "brother." Kind of makes you wonder if anything went down between them behind bars...

Though I'm not an aficionado of the club scene or the music, the soundtrack was good, and definitely appropriate for the scenario. David Bowie's performance may seem stilted by comparison with the work he's done in other films, especially THE HUNGER and THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH, but then B.U.S.T.E.D. is not a showcase for him--it's allegedly Goth's baby, and I think he does a more-than-credible job with what little he's given to do.

The movie overall could've used a trim in some places where it definitely moves too slowly. Violence junkies won't find nearly enough to hold their interest, though there's enough misogynistic vibe to turn off any potential female viewers, as the pathologically jealous Terry assaults and tortures Ray's new girlfriend, (the comely Rachel Shelley), and the grisly death of a central character and his young son are shocking enough, IMHO. The ending is meant to be a jaw-dropper, but it's curiously unsatisfying, especially since not nearly enough was made of the Ray/Terry relationship to warrant the gasps it was meant to elicit from the audience.

Still, overall, it wasn't a bad start, and should Goth choose to give Hollywood a shot, he has shown that he has the basic knowledge (not to mention the looks) to attract some pretty serious attention. Ditto for Goldie, though I'm afraid that after this and SNATCH he could very well find himself typecast; all the more reason for him to keep his musical "day job," just in case.

Despite the low budget and often unfocused script, this gangster thriller from Andrew Goth proves to be quite absorbing. Notable for a fleeting appearance by David Bowie as a camp underworld villain who loves to say "Sweet as a nut" a lot, this is really a vehicle for Wolverhampton's Goldie, the best selling musician and now actor who looks like he was born to plays bad guys. It's an often violent affair with Goldie's character proving to be a little too terrifying, especially when he assaults gorgeous newcomer Rachel Shelley. Some memorable scenes: Goldie, his head framed almost in a religious aura; the Black Rain style face off with Chinese gangsters and a decent dance number near the movie's finale. Reminiscent of Danny Cannon's The Young Americans, this looks to be a suitable calling card for any Hollywood producer looking to hire Goth for an American project. No classic but try and stick with it as there are a few diamonds in the rough.

Having a bit of the fascination for the UK at the moment, Goth's attempt at the 'gangster genre' has yielded some interesting results. The overall look is very slick and appealing in that shiny advertising manner. The music's good, although my knowledge of techno is limited. The 'bad-bwoy' vibe; dress, cars, sound systems, the walk, is there although lagging/strained in places. Some of the actors seem to be uncomfortable in/with their roles and scenes fall flat. The story lines of power and obsession are obvious but lacking in believability in areas. Overall, a worthy attempt. Nuff respect-wicked closing scene.

I caught this film on Sky Premiere and it is undoubtedly one of the worst films I have ever seen.Pathetic acting,badly directed,sloppily paced and devoid of any tension or excitement whatsoever-this film has it all.Characters traits seem to change from scene to scene and big plot moments come out of nowhere with no explanation behind them. Clumsy and pathetic,I will never get back the hour and a half this rubbish took from my life.

This gritty, urban saga is not an easy movie to watch but it is such brilliant filmmaking that it will stay with you for a long time.

Inhabited by carefully drawn individuals and acted with a natural but grim reality. The film looks fabulous , the visual version of techno music, all black and shiny and more than a little dangerous. The music is also phenomenal.

This movie has all the makings of a classic tragedy and it delivers! Director Andrew Goth's writing is taut and effective. His direction is wonderfully stylized and enormously potent. And he is absolutely right in the role of Ray, the gentler cousin. David Bowie pops up throughout the film and brings a calming presence to the mayhem. And finally, Goldie, the music sensation is amazing and a very scary guy.