Scott Gentry reviews "Dead Man Down", the new action-drama; starring Collin Farrell and Noomi Rapace.

"Dead Man Down" (15)

Director: Niels Arden Oplev.

Starring: Colin Farrell, Noomi Rapace and Terence Howard.

Rated: 15, for containing strong language and violence.

Out now in cinemas.

Victor (Collin Farrell) is a rising member of a successful crime syndicate led by the vicious Alphonse (Terence Howard) and his henchman. Little does Alphonse and the team know, that Victor has actually infiltrated the group, hell bent on revenge against its leader. However, Victor soon becomes captivated by the illustrious Beatrice (Noomi Rapace) and through many meetings, his main mission soon becomes clouded...

I must start the review with this message: If you are expecting a film with action, car chases and plenty of high octane fun, then DO NOT SEE THIS FILM. It is without a doubt, that "Dead Man Down" has been sold to audiences wrongly, it has in fact been marketed as an action film with wits. That I cannot agree with. There are in fact only two, action set-pieces and the rest of the film is (pretty much) unintelligent chatter between Victor and Beatrice.

The narrative has been used many times by films such as "Get Carter" starring Michael Caine and the average thriller, "Taken"; starring Liam Neeson. Let`s face it, it has been played out. To be honest, I don`t really want to see just another revenge film, it has to be intelligent, with plenty of enjoyment to be had.

The acting is one of the main reasons that I stuck with "Dead Man Down", as Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace, are great actors; but stuck inside a bad film.

"Dead Man Down", is interesting at times, but it lacks the main part of the action-revenge genre. If the film was more exciting and included less needless chatter, I probably would have enjoyed it more. If anything, this has only damaged Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace`s careers. 

2 STARS