We Still Kill the Old Way

Slow to start yeah.

But it gets going and shows the arrogant (invincible) youth that they are novices in their world of gangsterism - once they have provoked the "old guard" into action.

It's distinctly slow to get going. The vileness of the hoodies seems a bit overdone; later on you know why it's necessary, so we feel there's nothing whatsoever so bad but they deserve it; but at the time it's just a bit much. Worst of all, the punishment doesn't fit the crime - it's not the very worst of them that meets the worst end. But for all that tremendously enjoyable, entertaining and with a feel good factor.

This was a recommendation and a movie I'd certainly never had watched otherwise. Not only do I generally dislike British cinema but I hate any "Gangster" related nonsense especially such low rent stuff like this.

It's a revenge tale, a bunch of old school gangsters seeking retribution against young hoodlums who take the life of one their own. On paper this movie stood absolutely no chance with me, but it does have redeeming features.

It's paced perfectly, it's wonderfully constructed and the 4 veterans do a fantastic job especially Ogilvy and Cosmo. It succeeds in making you absolutely detest the antagonists, to levels I haven't seen since Eden Lake (2008).

But on the flipside our heroes are also villians, it's difficult rooting for a side when essentially it's bad vs bad. I don't care if the youth are more obnoxious, in the grand scheme of things I'm sure the protagonists have considerably more blood under their nails. Much like the critically acclaimed Attack the Block (2011), you expect me to cheer on these wretches just because the opposition is worse?

And more? It suffers with the same problem as Eden Lake. Namely, it's too real. What I mean by that is chav scum and youth gangs are rife, you see them to some extent daily regardless of where you are in the country and quite frankly I don't want to see them in movies as well. The first 10 minutes of the film made me deeply uncomfortable for a host of reasons.

So though the film is wonderfully made it suffers due to its own successes. For me this was better than it should have been, but I just can't get behind a movie with such themes.

The Good:

Very well made

Some great performances

The Bad:

Deeply uncomfortable viewing in places

Things I Learnt From This Movie:

Hospital security isn't what it used to be

I enjoyed this film much much more than I should have. It's more enjoyable than scores of Hollywood movies I've seen recently that cost 1000 times as much. Ok, there's some duff acting here and there, from the young cast it has to be said. The main villain is trying way too hard, as do most of his gang, but it's the young girl who wins the rotten tomato. I don't think she's a bad actor, that's the thing, just needed better direction. And that's the main issue I have with this film. The direction. Cinematography is great. Script is witty and fun. The old guys/girls are great. And their dialogue is awesome... it's the direction that's lacking. Watching this I felt like I was watching a day tine terrestrial tv version that had been cut to get a daytime rating. Prime examples are the torture scene and the arm cutting. You see nothing. Also the old boys characters were so rich they needed more screen time. I wanted to know more about them and what their past was. It's all asked over way too quickly. The gun ending too was badly shot and didn't really give the pay off we all wanted. I wish they'd Dione more with it. But overall this is a good movie. Much better than the stupid 3 and 4 reviews given here. Approach it for what it is... a love budget British indie film, and you'll have fun in Ritchie and his Pals company. I would definitely want to see another one. But given this was 2014 and I'd ne er heard of it, that seems unlikely. A shame as this gang deserves more. Knocks films like cockneys versus vampires and all the set into the dust.

I was genuinely surprised by how good this was - it's a South London gangland film and it was well made, entertaining and Danny Dyer wasn't in it but his daughter is and she is interestingly enough called Dani Dyer! (Couldn't make it up could you). Well Ian Ogilvy, Richie, of 'The Return of the Saint' fame is retired to the Costa del Crime and is awaiting his big brother to come over for a Birthday bash. Meanwhile back in Blighty his bro Charlie (Steven Berkoff) interrupts a gang who are sexually assaulting a young girl Lauren (Dani Dyer) - instead of acting like men they brutally murder him.

The Feds (that is police to non gang types) are about as much use as a pork pie at a bar mitzvah and so Richie gets his chopper out - sorry helicopter - and comes home back to his old Manor - where everyone used to be proper crooks and love their mums - that was back in the day. Now they are all 'blud' and 'innit' and have to walk with a pimp stroll and a permanent hood on their heads like a failed monk. There he assembles the old firm - who are a coterie of crime acting regulars- and they go all out for some righteous retribution.

Now there are some issues with this film, police procedure is a joke, a few plot holes, as many coincidences as Dickens packed into 'Oliver Twist' and an ending that requires a bit of a stretch to actually believe. That said I still ruddy enjoyed it, veteran James Cosmo as the loud mouthed Arthur was brilliant and Ian Ogilvy showed what a bit of old school talent can bring to the screen. This is a guilty pleasure and I wish the makers all the best - it is nice seeing veteran actors getting a fair crack at a fun role. If you want a bit of semi - mindless fun and don't mind a bit of sawn off shotgun justice then this is for you or puckkah as they say.