I've still got a few reviews to catch up with but I won't be writing reviews for John Wick or Kill the Messenger.
You can watch my John Wick youtube review HERE!!!
And my Kill the Messenger youtube review HERE!!!
You can watch my youtube review of The Drop HERE!!!
As of late crime thrillers have been more focused on action than characters and actual crime (unless it's a foreign film or from Scorsese). The Drop sets itself apart by being sparse in violence and strong in character even if the characters are hiding behind misguiding layers. This film is based on a short story from Dennis Lehane who also wrote the script and is directed by Michael R. Roskam who did the much praised Bullhead. The cast includes Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, the late James Gandolfini (R.I.P.), John Ortiz, Matthias Schoenaerts (Bullhead) Ann Dowd, an adorable Pitbull Puppy and James Frecheville (Animal Kingdom).
The Drop follows the socially awkward Bob Saginowski (Hardy), a bartender at a drop bar where gangsters leave their money for safe keeping. After being robbed and finding a injured Pitbull pup he must deal with what the two events bring to his doorstep as he tries to live a low-key life. Tom Hardy nails the Brooklyn accent and the role which is hidden under layers of secrets and quite awkwardness. The rest of the cast is solid and James Gondolfini reminds us how much he will be missed by film lovers.
What sets The Drop apart from other films of the genre is that it is entirely character focused with quiet pacing and only purposeful action. You get a strong sense of the world and the people that populate it which strengthens what could have been another generic thriller. Though it doesn't have much to say regarding society and the effects of violence it is a good watch and a strong film. Nicely photographed and lit with good music and strong atmosphere this is a thoughtfully made film.
If you're looking for shoot-outs, drugs and explosion you won't find it in this film but that's a good thing. These days criminals keep it low key making every neighbourhood possibly sinister and it's this atmosphere that this film captures well along with its characters who may not be what they seem. Quiet and thoughtful, The Drop was rather refreshing in an over saturated and exaggerated genre.
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