Fans of the gangster genre will enjoy the shocking outbursts of violence, senseless crime and idiotic macho-isms. Fans of Farrell may enjoy the handsome fella in a sharp suit but should be saddened by his emotionless performance. Ray Winstone junkies like myself should steer clear. There was nothing new or innovative about this film to elevate it within the genre and no notable performances to let it stand alone.
Movies Hate You Too writes:
Last week was a bit of a disappointment with only a few new releases and only one notable catalog release. This week has more new releases but it's still a bit of a mixed bag with one of last years better animated films being released plus two films that received very mixed reviews. Also being released this week are two well reviewed independent films, new seasons from two of Showtime's most popular shows, and a James Stewart classic.
London Boulevard is the sort of movie you'd expect from a director like Guy Ritchie. It feels like it was written with Ritchie in mind - given the setting, characters and dialogue. Problem is... the element of romance and the overall lack of action. Guy Ritchie is more about intense, slick and violent British gangster movies, although the way Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. has been going...
Celluloid Zombie writes:
Freshly released from Pentonville prison and determined not to return to his criminal past, Mitchell finds work as a minder for reclusive movie star Charlotte, with whom he develops a relationship. However, old friends embroil Mitchell in the plans of East End crime boss Gant and Mitchell is forced to confront him.
I have a very low tolerance for British gangster movies. There’s only a handful that have ever really engaged me. The Long Good Friday, Sexy Beast and Get Carter rank among those few. London Boulevard, unfortunately, doesn’t. Which is a shame because, with a cast like this, it should have had something going for it.
