Film Reviews: The Sweeney and The Family

From what I could see from the IMDb lukewarm response, it appears that British humour doesn't necessarily translate that well when it is presented to American audiences. (Especially when the accent, local vocabulary are both a bit tricky to get into). Anyone who loved Snatch, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels will be completely won over.

Which is sad, because this is one highly entertaining film. I was laughing at every well crafted joke in the film, and loved every moment.

Based on the TV series, in 1975 its a cops show in essence, tough guys being rough with suspected and known criminals.

Ray Winstone is the main character, DI Jack Regan, proving that age doesn't slow a guy down (not too much at least) and making wisecracks at every opportunity.

Plan B (Ben Drew) is his right hand man, DC George Carter and the two work well as the head of the team, the Flying Squad, which the rest of the crew are portrayed by Hayley Atwell, Caroline Chikezie, Allen Leech, Ronnie Fox, Michael Wildman, Steven Waddington and Damian Lewis as the boss, and Steven Mackintosh as the Internal Affairs guy, who's married to Ms Atwell's character.

Another film that unfortunately didn't translate too well, was the Luc Besson directed The Family, based on the book by Tonino Benacquista. Its dark comedy at its darkest, anyone who adored Martin McDonagh's In Bruges or Seven Psychopaths will love this film.
Robert De Niro is ex mafia, he and his family have been relocated to Normandy, France - fitting in soon falls by the wayside as they all get up their bad habits from home. Michelle Pfeiffer portrays his wife,  Dianna Agron and John D'Leo portray his kids.
Tommy Lee Jones is his case officer, perfect casting.

Like The Sweeney, this film is a laugh a minute ride, they take nothing seriously - From the director of Lockout, Fifth Element - what else do you expect?

Both films are highly enjoyable, despite first response from the Americans, it pays to give things a go, with these two, you won't regret it.

Comments

  1. This quote comes from another black comedy.

    “Ivan McCormick: So, fill me in, brother, how much are we into Danny Machin for?
    Neil McCormick: All in all? Thirteen grand. Give or take.
    Ivan McCormick: Thirteen grand? What is that? Five grand a kneecap and three for our heads?
    Neil McCormick: ...That doesn't add up, Ivan.”

    And this one comes from a comedic film which features an Italian family.
    “There are three kinds of pipe. There's aluminium, which is garbage. There's bronze, which is pretty good, unless something goes wrong. And something always goes wrong. Then, there's copper, which is the only pipe I use. It costs money. It costs money because it saves money.”

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Film Review: Moneyball

Film Review: Theater Camp

TV series reviews: The Bear & The Newsreader