MyRating: YYYYDirector: J Blakeson
Cast: Gemma Arterton, Martin Compston, Eddie Marsan
This is a small but effective independent British crime thriller that will make you stay at your seat to find out what will happen next. A smart written script from the director J Blakeson, with more than one unexpected twist along the story. The twists may possibly not make you jump on your seat, or you may say that "I've seen something like this before", but the fact that this movie has such a simple story and the twists were cleverly and neatly bound to the plot, so as you realize about the twist when it's coming, the suspense in the story has brought your attention to move forward.
The (only) three actors in this movie also gave their effective performances and acted pretty well. Eddie Marsan looks dangerous and fierce as the leader, a control freak who always full of suspicious. On the other hand, Martin Compston is a young man who seems doubtful of what they've done, thinking a bit too much as a criminal on what may happen to their crime, but at the same time has his own plan in head. The different nature between the two helped create the conflicts and increased the tensions of the story. While as the girl being kidnapped, Gemma Arterton also gave a believable performance. Not a weak victim. She is tough, resourceful and not easily giving up to the situation. This movie was her work in between her earlier noticeable appearance as one of the Bond girls in Quantum of Solace (2008) and a good year for her last year in Clash of the Titans (2010) and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010). Fall for her ever since her appearance as the sassy princess in Prince of Persia. I believe this actress will have a bright future ahead.
There were some nudity scenes of Arterton in this movie that may become a guilty pleasure to watch. But the film did not fall into the cheap trap of a sexual thriller. The story certainly did not lose its focus. Every action has its purpose and reason behind, and consequences afterwards. The suspense was well built, some scenes may make you hold your breath as you care of what could happen to the characters. This is a satisfying little thriller, very enjoyable to watch and it will stay in your head after watching it. The next time you plan a kidnapping, be sure to keep in mind that a well-planned scenario is never enough. (MJ)
MPAA: Rated R for violent content, pervasive language and some sexuality/nudity
Two ex-convicts, Vic (Eddie Marsan) and Danny (Martin Compston), kidnap Alice Creed (Gemma Arterton) and ask for ransom money from her affluent family. They plan everything carefully before the abduction, from preparing the kidnapping car, soundproofing and reinforcing an apartment walls, and setting up a bed for the victim. But what they didn't prepare was the unexpected turnouts and bends towards their scenario after the kidnapping.
This is a small but effective independent British crime thriller that will make you stay at your seat to find out what will happen next. A smart written script from the director J Blakeson, with more than one unexpected twist along the story. The twists may possibly not make you jump on your seat, or you may say that "I've seen something like this before", but the fact that this movie has such a simple story and the twists were cleverly and neatly bound to the plot, so as you realize about the twist when it's coming, the suspense in the story has brought your attention to move forward. 
The (only) three actors in this movie also gave their effective performances and acted pretty well. Eddie Marsan looks dangerous and fierce as the leader, a control freak who always full of suspicious. On the other hand, Martin Compston is a young man who seems doubtful of what they've done, thinking a bit too much as a criminal on what may happen to their crime, but at the same time has his own plan in head. The different nature between the two helped create the conflicts and increased the tensions of the story. While as the girl being kidnapped, Gemma Arterton also gave a believable performance. Not a weak victim. She is tough, resourceful and not easily giving up to the situation. This movie was her work in between her earlier noticeable appearance as one of the Bond girls in Quantum of Solace (2008) and a good year for her last year in Clash of the Titans (2010) and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010). Fall for her ever since her appearance as the sassy princess in Prince of Persia. I believe this actress will have a bright future ahead.
MYMOVIE CRITIC - REVIEWING MOVIES FROM THE AUDIENCE'S STANDPOINT
