Redemption

There isn't a whole lot of room for action stars to show some artistic self. Basically, we can expect a single type of movie.

Surprisingly good movie that wrongfully wasn't showcased enough in cinemas, about a man returning to his roots after aserving time in prison and finding himself drawn back into the same darkness. Joel Gauthier offers a sober cinematography leaving the door open to showcase the sensible acting performances.

This film is often credited as another nail in the coffin of John Gilbert's career, part of Louis Mayer's plot to destroy one of MGM's biggest stars. In truth, this movie, based on a Tolstoy play, is dull and static, a photographed stage play with stagey performances and a lot of editing.

When I read the synopsis, I thought it was another crime plot of abduction and sex. How wrong I was!

I admit I love Jason Statham movies. He is this generations movie action hero, no doubt.

I rarely write reviews for movies but the ones I really like ...To be honest I was expecting a transporter-like pure action movie, but I found more than just action.

The first time I saw Statham at this caliber was Revolver. I will come out by saying that I like his movies because I like watching this guy kick ass.

Joey Smith has gone AWOL from his Special Forces unit and is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder because of things he saw and did in Afghanistan. He is living rough on the streets of London until one day a group of thugs attack him and fellow homeless people.

"Redemption" isn't the usual, run-of-the-mill, Jason Statham nonsense. Indeed, writer & director Steven Knight's first film as a helmer is a hybrid crime thriller and an intense psychological character study about a loose cannon who literally wants to redeem himself.