Jack O'Connell has become quite a busy actor between Starred Up, Unbroken, and '71. Having not seen Starred Up or Broken, I look forward to checking those out soon. This film surely gives a glimpse of his skills in a leading role, but I wish that I could have gotten more than just this glimpse. I was waiting for a break-through moment by O'Connell and I never really got it. Sure, he had to act in a very physical manner as a broken-down soldier and sure, he was great at doing it. Yet, I was really hoping for some strong dialogue rather than just a wimpy and lost soldier. I guess this was to help the audience sympathize with the main character, but at times I really just wanted him to get up and fight rather than just whine. Maybe I am just not into movies so realistic. Thanks Hollywood for making acting and filmmaking so hard!
While I couldn't quite fall in love with the acting and storyline, I did find the technical aspects of this film superb. As an extremely jumpy movie-watcher I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. During a riot scene the camera movement was so shaky and nauseating that I could feel my stomach twist and turn as if I was on the frontline. The overall movement of the camera is very fluid and constant. Furthermore as someone with a radio show based around film music, I must say that the soundtrack is surreal, fitting the action in the film very well. I think I am going to stop this review here in fact so I can go and listen to that soundtrack one more time...
The Bottom Rhyme: The acting felt meh, the filmmaking quick, check out this movie and tell me if you get a kick.
Score: 8/10
While I couldn't quite fall in love with the acting and storyline, I did find the technical aspects of this film superb. As an extremely jumpy movie-watcher I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. During a riot scene the camera movement was so shaky and nauseating that I could feel my stomach twist and turn as if I was on the frontline. The overall movement of the camera is very fluid and constant. Furthermore as someone with a radio show based around film music, I must say that the soundtrack is surreal, fitting the action in the film very well. I think I am going to stop this review here in fact so I can go and listen to that soundtrack one more time...
The Bottom Rhyme: The acting felt meh, the filmmaking quick, check out this movie and tell me if you get a kick.
Score: 8/10
