DVD Reviews

Revolver

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Jason Statham
• Details: UK, 115 mins, 16.

It is fair to say that this once popular director is now better known for the company he keeps (is kept by) than the work he does. In fact, his work (namely Swept Away starring Madonna) is currently mostly associated with extreme naffness. However, in an attempt at professionalism, this piece was judged on its own merits. Unfortunately as it doesn't have any merits, it was simply judged. The story, which you've seen more coherently hundreds of times, is concerned with Jake Green (Stratham), a high risk gambler and ex-con hell bent on reaping revenge on gangster Macha (Liotta). For the most part Liotta and Stratham appear to be trying to outdo each other's gravelly tones, which comes across as fake and ridiculous, while Ritchie seems to be out-doing himself with improbable plots and flimsy characters. Exhibit A: Jake Green being told by some baddies that he has a rare blood disease and only 3 days to live. Lacking the charm and humour of Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Revolver's only point of interest is some rather good - but ultimately senseless - animation sequences plonked in the middle of proceedings. And don't get me started on the Liotta crotch and arse shots… Avoid at all costs.

Review by Elaine Reilly