Arme Riddere

Based on a story by renowned crime writer Jo Nesbø, Jackpot stars Kyrre Hellum as Oscar, who awakes clutching a shotgun on the floor of a strip joint strewn with dead bodies and swarming with police officers. Taken for questioning by hard-nosed cop Solør (Henrik Mestad), Oscar recounts the unlikely events leading up to this point, starting with him winning a share of a 1.7m krone prize in a betting pool. But is Oscar telling the truth or spinning a wild yarn?

This was a blind buy from Poundland, and while I wouldn't exactly say that I hit the jackpot with my gamble, I don't regret spending my hard-earned cash on the DVD (all £1 of it!). Director Magnus Martens handles the darkly humorous tale of crime, treachery and murder with confidence, his cast put in solid performances, and there is plenty of grisly violence to keep fans of gritty crime capers satisfied for the duration. Where the film falls down slightly is in its narrative, which, despite plenty of twists and turns, isn't quite as clever or as deranged as it is clearly intended to be—certainly not on a par with the absurdist work of The Coen Brothers, as the DVD cover states.

6.5 out of 10, rounded up to 7 for IMDb.

The movie has a simple premise and you have to buy into that. If you do, you will enjoy a nice little thriller, that is quite explicit in some regards (concerning the violence). The original author became very popular (outside his own country that is) with "Headhunters" (intl. title) and this is another one of his stories done for the big screen. It works though it's not as good as the other one.

Not all twists and turns seem to make sense overall, but you won't mind if just watch it to be entertained. The structure of the movie is build with flashbacks and will be something you have to be able to endure. But the smallest joke that come within the situation help lighten the mood too.

''Arme Riddere'' is a short, in running time (85 minutes), but also fascinating and enticing viewing experience that will appeal to the many Nordic Noir fans around the globe as it is based on a story by the Norwegian super-star crime writer, Jo Nesbo, the author of the notorious Harry Hole series. This is a really compact film where the intricate as well as -in many parts- amusing plot unfolds at a brisk pace, leaving no room for pointless dialogue scenes that contribute nothing to the movie's central theme and plotline. The story sets off when four friends and colleagues win the Jackpot in the national lottery and it is narrated through the police interrogation of the main protagonist, Oscar, who is the last man standing alive, as all his other friends are dead. The main question of the film is this: is Oscar a reliable narrator of the events that occurred after the lottery win or he is lying in order to keep himself out of the prison? The riddle is solved in the last -intent- ten minutes of the film where everything turns upside down, as it often does in Nesbo's stories. This is a movie that is worthy of your attention and its short running time makes it even more easy to watch. The cast is doing a fine job with some of the most well-known and respected Norwegian, and Scandinavian in general, actors starring in the main roles. Peter Andersson (''The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo'',''Kommissarie Winter'', ''Kraftidioten''), Henrik Mestad (''Okkupert'', ''Conspiracy of Silence'') and Mads Ousdal (''Varg Veum'', ''Wisting'') are some of them. If you are a Jo Nesbo's, fan, you should watch it immediately and the same goes for every Scandi-Noir aficionado.

JACKPOT is a Tarantino-esque crime thriller, laced with black comedy and based on a story by Jo Nesbo, the man responsible for the excellent HEADHUNTERS. This film isn't another HEADHUNTERS, but it does feel in the same territory and it comes close at times. It's a gruesome tale of thieves falling out, packed with twists and turns and all manner of unholy murder.

The story begins with deceptive simplicity: a work syndicate win millions on a lottery. However, things soon take a dark turn indeed, and we're soon up to our necks in blood-spraying murder. Apart from the opening flash-forward scene which spoils later surprises (I typically hate non-linear scenes in films, except in the likes of PULP FICTION where they're done right), there's little to dislike here.

The actors are likable, the direction is decent, and the comedy really adds to the experience. JACKPOT is a perfect film for both fans of Scandi crime and madcap black comedies; not a classic perhaps, but it's certainly good and better than most even if it does tell a familiar storyline these days.

A Norwegian Reservoir Dogs. Strong acting performances, it will have you gripped and guessing throughout - what more do you want? The cutting of the film helps the suspense, and actually really directs the way your mind works as you watch it. Yes, it is bloody, but then again Tarantino gets away with it. It is black comedy, it is a well thought-out script, lots of fine details, and the social commentary is not at all what you think it will be. Ignore the reviews as I am sure you normally do, and watch it. The atmosphere and scenes really suit the plot. Not one to watch with the girlfriend - this is a movie for the night in alone. If you have got as far as the review, you should definitely watch it to make your own opinion of it.