Passeio Milionário

This film is a web release movie only, which is probably the reason why there is hardly any information about it plus zero reviews.

I watched this last night as it was premiering on Sky Movies, The fact that I knew nothing about the film was the reason why I wanted to watch it....so I had no preconceived ideas about what to expect. I have decided to write this short review as I cannot find any-other reviews out there and I believe this film needs to watched.

I'm not going to go into any detail about what happens as I think it would spoil the enjoyment, but what I will say is that it's a very good film indeed. It starts well (well enough to keep me watching, as my patience with films these days runs very thin) and ends strongly indeed. It's tense, gripping and enthralling. I was enjoying this film so much that halfway through I began to worry that the ending would be a letdown, it certainly wasn't, if anything it goes up another gear. It's very rare these days that the endings of films live up to the rest of the film, however,in this case it certainly did....and then some.

The cast is extremely strong, it would be wrong of me to highlight a particular performance as all principal actors/actress were on top form. I would like to say though that Dominic Monaghan particularly stood out for me as I have never seen him play this type of character before.

Apologies for the vague review but I don't want to give anything away as i believe too much information would dampen your enjoyment.

The first thing i thought about when starting this film was whether i could see Dominic Monaghan as anyone but, Merry from Lord of the Rings. Apparently i can and although i had my doubts about watching a low key film with actors i didn't really know or cared existed it was still brilliant. The plot unlike many other films in my opinion doesn't sag in the middle and you are put in constant suspense about the future of the main character (holy water seller) and the taxi driver. The acting is brilliant in this film and it is very clever in places in my opinion (although i am quite simple minded). Overall before seeing the film on the shelf or on sky movies (or any other TV thing) don't hesitate to watch it. It's pulled off brilliantly and it has quite a unique storyline. Basically watch it.

A very neat and tidy thriller, excellently conceptualised to work on a limited budget, that held my attention and interest from first frame to last. During the season of mega-budget eye candy films that inspire nothing more than loud snoring, it's refreshing to see such a well-designed and gripping low budget movie standing up to the big boys.

The performances of the four main leads were absolutely terrific. I had not seen Jordan Belfi or Rick Gomez before, but they more than held their own opposite the seasoned stars Dominic Monaghan and Agnes Bruckner. I'm only guessing, but my sense is that it was the participation of Monaghan that allowed the film to be made - if so, then kudos to him, because he obviously has the capability to spot a great film on paper and put his name out there to support a new and promising filmmaker.

Overall an excellent job from all concerned.

Inon Shampanier's film about The Millionair Tour, a rip which targets a loaded tourist into visits to as many ATMs before cards max out, is not just clever, it is constructed is such a way as you will guess what is going on many times before you guess right. The screenplay is riveting, sharp, and superbly acted in the largely claustrophobic setting of a cab.

At first I thought we may be in for a re-run of Collateral but this film betters that by giving us four people going on a ride in which the scenery is less important than the conversation. There is deep psychology at work here not just in the dialogue but in the body language, the slight inflexions, the looks, the underlying story which is revealed to us piece by piece, and it is all original and crafted to keep you on your toes. You cannot know the twists without knowing what the plan is and that is why this film delivers feigned punches as often as it delivers knock out blows.

Gomez, Monaghan, Bruckner and Vescio perform superbly in their respective roles revealing flaws in character as easily as we want to spot them, and it is only by the very end of the film you will know who is fooling who. Go see it for it is one of the best movies I have seen in a long while.

Highly recommended.

A good suspenseful film with an interesting twist. I would have gave it a 7, but I thought the Casper actor was terrible. Overall, definitely worth a watch and the pacing is well done especially for a movie that's almost most entirely shot in a car.