A real knockout of an action movie that delivers some solid fire-power and star-power. It's a stunning, gripping and intelligent action-thriller. It's stylish, compelling and filled with twist and turns that just keep you going right to the very end. A heart-pounding, exhilarating and hard-boiled thrill-ride. It's intensely character-drawn, wonderfully crafted, and tremendously entertaining. The characters have some great moments together, as well as some very gripping moments that just keep you satisfied. It has a Heat element to it. A dynamite action picture and character piece. A fast-paced, razor-sharp and wickedly cool thriller that's packed with explosive action and sizzling suspense. This movie rocks, I loved it for it's story and two magnificent leads, who are just great to watch together. James McAvoy and Mark Strong are sensational, the two of them are just a dynamite team on the screen. They start off as enemies and reluctantly team-up to achieve vengeance and redemption for their characters and uncover the truth. It's in no way a buddy film for these two, but it dose not mean you wont be satisfied with their performances. McAvoy is sharp and thrilling. Strong is magnetic and compelling. Peter Mullan is terrific.

This film marks the start of a trilogy of UK ventures from actor James McAvoy in 2013. It was released practically back to back with Danny Boyle's "Trance" and an adaptation of the Irvine Welsh novel "Filth" will complete McAvoy's year. Let's just say that he hasn't got off the best of starts with this one.
During the pursuit of master criminal
Jacob Sternwood (Mark Strong), doggedly determined policeman Max Lewinsky (James McAvoy) is shot in the leg which allows Sternwood to escape. Now disgraced within his precinct, Lewinsky believes he will never get the chance bring Sternwood to justice. That is, until Sterenwood is forced out of hiding to return to London from his Icelandic hideaway and hunt down the man responsible for shooting his son. Lewinsky is given the perfect opportunity to rescue his reputation but he also uncovers a deeper conspiracy involved.
I've said it countless times before but I'm afraid I'm going to have to say it again; I'm not a massive fan of the action genre. I find it all a bit hollow and the story and logic always suffer for the sake of set-pieces and excitement. This has that very same problem. The reason I went into this was for the actors and the curiosity of how a British made movie, in this genre, could compete in terms with the U.S. At least, on both these accounts, I wasn't disappointed. McAvoy, once again, proves his leading man credentials with fine support by Mark Strong and British character actors like Peter Mullan, David Morrissey and Johnny Harris. The film's, near futuristic, look and gritty feel is also perfectly fitting and for a change, a British action movie handles itself just as well as any other. However, it's ultimately no different from the mind-numbing, generic dross that this genre so often delivers and the plot, as expected, has holes aplenty. In fact, they are so wide, they are actually quite offensive. Despite it trying to play clever and keep it's cards close to it's chest, it's all rather predictable and leaves you with the feeling that you've just wasted your time. Eran Creevy does well in the directing stakes and conducts his action set-pieces with impressive ease but his script has more creeks and holes than his protagonist's dodgy knee. If it wasn't for the committed actors and the neon-infused cinematography by Ed Wild, this would be a complete write-off.
With a better script and more respect for the audience this could have been a lot better. Sadly, it has neither of these and carries so much self-indulgence it would be more aptly titled... Welcome to the Paunch.

Mark Walker