What a geezer

AS anyone who witnessed the recent riots in London will attest, there is a darker side to the English capital – a seedy and torrid underbelly that lies beneath the bright lights and listed buildings.

In certain parts of London, reputation is everything and there are no limits to the depraved things some people will do to save face and uphold said reputation.

Often, fear is more coveted than respect and this is a movie that reflects that truism.

Enter South London hard man Mitchel (Farrell) who, after serving a stint in the slammer for assault, is released back into society. He’s determined to change his ways and stick to the straight and narrow but his old friends make it difficult for him.

His mate Billy wants him to get involved with a crime lord named Gant (Winstone) who has heard of Mitchel’s reputation and is in need of his ‘services’.

 Obviously reluctant to take the position, but still in need of a source of income, he does the one legitimate job that comes naturally to him … ‘thug for hire’ or, more accurately, bodyguard.

Charlotte (Knightley) is a retired actress who is still at the top of the paparazzi’s hit list and she loathes the unwanted attention. So, after a chance encounter with Mitchel, she hires him to be her new bodyguard.

The only problem I had with the movie at this stage is that it seemed strange that any 25-year-old would retire. By that logic I’m already overdue for my pension and comfy slippers!

As the film progresses, it takes an unfavourably predictable turn and Mitchel and Charlotte fall in love (Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston would be proud no doubt).

All the while, kingpin Gant is still hell-bent on having Mitchel on his pay-roll and, in a bid to persuade him, kills the guy who was allegedly responsible for sending Mitchel to prison.

After witnessing the murder, Gant tells Mitchel in no uncertain terms that since the latter has just seen him do the dirty deed he has no choice but to leave Charlotte and work for him ... or else.

Of course, being the total cockney geezer (a no nonsense type of bloke) that he is, Mitchel refuses yet again and is forced to deal with the consequences of not showing the big boss the ‘respect’ he feels he deserves.

Now, despite spending most of the movie being a hard man and laying waste to anyone who stands in his way, Mitchel reveals he has a softer side too: Notably, caring for his drug-addicted sister, preventing a mugging and helping an old friend now living on the streets… but don’t let that fool you into thinking he’s some kind of marshmallow, he’ll still mess you up!

Farrell has an impressive ability to mimic accents. Now he can safely add cockney geezer to his repertoire. Aside from that, his performance was a little flat and he didn’t really do much except get angry and stare holes into people.

Knightley was a huge disappointment both in terms of her portrayal and her look. I don’t know if she slimmed down for the role or if Hollywood is taking its toll on the poor girl but it looks like she needs a few burgers and a refresher course on dramatic acting.

All-in-all, this film isn’t a bad way to spend a few hours and although it’s a more realistic portrayal of life in London than Eastenders, I don’t think the Oscars has a category for that!

Showing in Cineco, Seef II and Saar Cineplex