Two Down

I can't critique a film. All I can say is this was a great watch with twists and turns which made it hugely entertaining. The fact it has a small cast and a smaller budget makes the achievement even more lamentable. Brilliant.

I came across this on Flix Premiere and it is by far one of the best films they have on there. It's a clever, witty, British hit-man movie with one foot in the 1970's, and I mean that as the highest compliment.

For a debut feature it has high production values, the acting is superb, the writing is subtle and intelligent but darkly funny. What more do you want from a movie.

There are a few small action sequences but they feel more like real life scuffles than full blown martial arts fights, which is so refreshing to see.

It's looks beautiful, is brilliantly directed by Matthew Butler Hart and there are some real star turns from the three main actors.

I can't wait to see what these guys do next. In the meantime I'll be happy to watch this again.

A poor beginning and a somewhat predictable ending. I was ready to turn it off after ten minutes due to the cringe worthy dialogue. But I stuck with it and I can say it improves over the middle ground. All-in-all, it was a good effort for an indie debut flick, which was produced on a tight budget. As a fan of Independent British film, I would definitely support these guys and watch any future projects. Loved Tori Butler-Hart as Sophie and an underused Conleth Hill. Alex Hassell, as John Thomas, was slightly irritating to begin with, but taken in the tone and context of the film, the character grows on you.

Coming into Two Down entirely cold, having not heard of it before and without reading reviews, seeing a trailer or any knowledge about its creators, I got to enjoy a lovely film.

Unmistakeably British from the outset the film is set in London but does nothing to exploit stereotypes or caricature Londoners. Instead it reflects internally on its own characters, some of whom are quite weakly developed but collectively work well together to create a shared atmosphere within the film.

The plot is extremely simple but that's taken as a strength by the film. Rather than create elaborate plot twists and try and shock the viewer the film is relaxed about introducing new elements and information, and does this sufficiently often to keep the film moving. It was noticeable that just as the film lets you settle into 'Ok, this is the situation' it then draws you gently back out of that complacency, forcing your engagement to understand the implications of the latest revelation.

That gentleness underlies everything in the film. Its comedy is quiet and understated, the characters are (mostly) very measured and act with calm intent, and even the action scenes (shoddy though one of them is) are very quick, simple and there only to fill gaps in the story.

This film isn't going to appeal to kids seeking CGI fueled action sequences, expensively shot stunts, blood and gore, sex or ADHD influenced cuts. That's not its audience. Instead it's worth watching Two Down if you like low budget British films, if you like films that aren't afraid to take their time to tell you a story, or if you just want to watch a good film.

I was fortunate to stumble across this at a festival, The Artemis Women in Film Festival in California, and loved every minute of it. As and Englishman living in L.A it was wonderful seeing London again but without the gritty gangster feel that seems to come from most UK films of this sort, nor the glamour that Hollywood tends to see the city through. From the classy opening scene with credits I could see the filmmakers had taken great care to create a film to span decades but set in a modern world. It told me that this was going to be a very well crafted film indeed. And I wasn't disappointed. The script, shots, editing, music is stylish, well thought out and brilliantly executed. And the acting is sublime. Not one bum note in the 88 minutes that the film runs for. The pacing is perfect, allowing us into the strange world of 'John Thomas', a very British joke!, but never feeling as if it should be faster. It's a low budget affair to be sure, but for a debut feature it sings of promise for the filmmakers and I'm intrigued to see where they go from here. Bigger and brighter things I'm sure.