MOVIE REVIEW: 44 Inch Chest

44 Inch Chest
95 min
2010 (New Zealand)

A jealous husband and his friends plot the kidnapping of his wife's lover with the intention of restoring his wounded ego.

Director: Malcolm Venville
Writers: Louis Mellis, David Scinto
Stars: Ray Winstone, Ian McShane and John Hurt

44 Inch Chest stars some real acting talent in the colour of Ray Winstone, Ian McShane, and John Hurt. The depressing film starts off in a delirious daze and continues to confuse the mind until the last minutes before the credits role. Long story short Ray Winstone plays a betrayed husband alongside a cheating spouse whose actions have destroyed his world. His friends come to the rescue and kidnap his wife’s boy toy so that revenge can be had.

A solid and believable premise captures the emotion of the plot, the dialogue is rich with coarse language and descriptive conversation, Britain’s famous dark-humour brings relief in the melancholy parts of the film, and the characters, as aged gangsters, are top-notch.

The setting was lacking with the majority of the movie taking place in a dilapidated apartment hideout and the actual action was less than what you were expecting. Overall the film is a throwback to classic British crime drama and mixes it with romance and betrayal.

Stay clear of this film if:
-you’re upset by the words “cunt” & “fuck.”
-British slang irritates and confuses you.
-more story and dialogue than action and explosions.

Watch this film if:
-you’re a fan of classic old-school gangster mentality
-you like John Hurt, Ian McShane, and Ray Winstone
-you prefer dark comedy, strong emotional story, and a lacking ending.

Final Verdict 3/5

-Daniel, Jedi Editor
*183
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