The Veteran

This film shows the aftermath of a Veteran returning home to England after serving in the middle east. The streets, the gang activity were a nuisance to this honorable young man. He was a man of "special talents" learned through combat. The local gangs, thugs brought about him unleashing his abilities on them. Tony Kebbell's very thorough movements when in a tactical situation were astounding. Having a professional background in Tactical Operations myself, I truly appreciated how he carried out his moves and handling of an AR / M-4 type weapon. Here was a man that wanted peace and tried to help others, only to be pulled back into using these methods learned. Sad but sometimes a reality. Excellent movie overall.

The cinematography was fine, I actually like the fact that they made everything realistic. The only thing that is unlikable in this movie was the storyline mashed-up. There are things that are uncertain, there are things that are not clear or lacking of foundation.

There was two main story that was mashed up in this story. First is the part where the main actor is dealing with the drug dealers, and second is the part where the main actor acquired a job as from another party.

These could have been a better movie if the two main story was related to each other.

Mystery unsolved about the girl.

Overall it was a good film albeit slightly confusing at times. The main character is very likable. There seems to be one plot which is advertised - the council estate plot, and the terrorist plot. The film would have been better if it stuck to one of the plots. The lady informant character remains unresolved. I believe it could have been quite similar to Harry Brown if done well. The terrorist part of the film was a bit confusing with too many twists to keep anybody truly interested. I believe if this part had been developed it could have been similar to an American blockbuster film which would usually star Matt Damon. The main character's performance is very strong and the reactions are more realistic and believable than in most action scenes. It was a nice touch to see someone actually reload in a movie. It is still watch able but it could have been a lot better.

STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning

Miller (Toby Kebbell) returns home from war to the council estate he lives in, but finds it in the grip of a crime wave, perpetrated by young boys under the influence of local villain Tyrone (Ashley 'Bashy' Thomas.) Struggling to re-adjust to civilian life, he is offered a job by an old army pal to execute a government operation, headed by Gerry (Brian Cox) to take out a terrorist cell. But as he delves deeper into his mission, he finds trust may be a virtue that could cost his life.

One of the excerpts of favourable reviews printed on the back cover of The Veteran (I'm sure it was from Empire Magazine) hails it as 'Harry Brown has some competition.' While it does deal with a man standing up to crime on a troubled estate, this manages to be as much of a sub plot as the part where he takes on the government operation, and while both parts have promise, together they throw the film off course a bit, making things a bit jumbled and incoherent. A shame, since as an action film, it is quite well made, slick and stylish enough and with a tighter, more effective script than you might expect from such an obviously low budget work. Best remembered as the eccentric musical genius from RocknRolla, in the lead role Kebbell melds well into the action hero role, while as the most high profile member of the cast Cox has as much presence as ever, delivering his all even to a more minor role.

This is an ambitious, fairly effective but sadly sort of misguided effort, that does more than you expect but can't quite cover over the cracks. ***

The plot as such seems realistic, but there are several unrealistic scenes - above all, related to shadowing and final shooting. The total conspiracy is also difficult to follow at times. It gloomy and gray background is probably meant to stress the overall mood, but it becomes annoying in the course of time. The very ending is too sudden as well.

And, as we do here with a so-called solo film (the leading character always visible), the selection of Toby Kebbell was probably not the best - he is short of charisma and particular features needed for such a role. Brian Cox and Tom Brooke were more catchy to follow; anyhow, murkiness and low spirits were too prevailing.

As a film in general, it is okay, perhaps even more, but for a British thriller, it is rather mediocre - just remember films by Guy Ritchie, for example.