Eliminate: Archie Cookson

I enjoyed watching this film, its an a different and enjoyable take on the usual spy action thriller movies and when you consider the small budget its really impressive.

Paul Rhys is excellent and Paul Ritter as the comedic assassin almost steals the show for me.

Its fairly slow paced and in places and shots and scenes do linger longer than we are perhaps used too but overall its worth persevering with. One of those films that is probably better the second time around and there is fine details and humour that will noticed for the first time on every watch.

Like I say, an alternative to the popcorn, stunt action spy films that look like car adverts rather than humorous character driven pieces that this one is.

Droll, dark comedy. Everyone is supremely matter-of-fact and stoic in ridiculously serious circumstances of life, death and espionage. Superb underacting from entire cast, including the kid and the escort. For once, the slow pace is an asset, underscoring the fatalism of all caught up in this strange little set of events. All those metaphoric upper lips were never stiffer...in a good way.

Paul Rhys is fantastic as Archie Cookson, a former field agent who's best days are behind him and who is marking time translating Russian for the British government. Archie's life takes a turn when he is marked for elimination and an old friend shows up to do the job. This is a British film full of the dry humor for which they are famous and there are many moments to laugh out loud. The plot has just the right amount of twists and turns and all the actors are superb. This is a film with interesting characters who make unexpected choices. The story feels familiar and yet still manages to surprise you.

Hard to believe this is the first feature film for Director/Writer Robin Holder. This is a polished, perfectly paced and beautifully filmed movie.

I was able to catch this at the Palm Springs International Film Festival and hope it gets a wider stateside release.