Succinct Sunday - Welcome To The Punch

London Calling

Mark Strong and James McAvoy are in everything nowadays and whilst McAvoy is getting more notoriety, especially in award catergories, Strong is simply becoming known as "That Guy From That Thing".  The London-born actor has appeared in a broad range of films, ranging from the controversial Gulf War film Zero Dark Thirty to the Disney flop John Carter (of Mars) and I believe is one of the most reliable actors today.  Putting him together with James McAvoy is sure to guarantee a sure-fire hit, right?

Welcome To The Punch centres around London detective Max Lewinsky (McAvoy) who is becoming obsessed with capturing the notorious criminal Jacob Sternwood (Strong). During their game of cat-and-mouse, both detective and criminal become unlikely allies and work together to expose a deeper conspiracy in the London police force.

Shiny, shiny London!

First off, never have I seen London look so beautiful.  The cinematographer Ed Wild and director Eran Creevy have really made the capital pop and sparkle.  Secondly, both McAvoy and Strong's potent chemistry is evident from their first encounter.  Their clear antagonism drives the story forward with incredible pace and they both give terrific performances, which can also be said of the supporting Andrea Riseborough and David Morrissey.

God, the remaining members of Boyzone look rough!

However, the film never really provides the audience with anything new or interesting. Every scene could have taken from a previously-released crime film, with predictable twists and turns every step of the way.  The only exception would be a very tense scene of evening tea with an old woman and a pug, and I know that sounds unlikely, but it did have me on the edge of my seat.  However, I needed more examples of that.  It is a semi-strong entry into both McAvoy and Strong's portfolio, but not one that they will be remembered for.

Rating - 6/10