​FILMS

the drop

The Drop: (Drama): 75 out of 100: This is a slow burning crime drama that will appeal to audiences that like a decent script and solid characterisations. However, those expecting an action film will be severely disappointed because there's no worthy action scenes to speak of. Unsophisticated audiences that prefer big, dumb blockbusters will be turned away in droves.

Tom Hardy plays the barman who witnesses a robbery in the bar managed by James Gandolfini in his last screen appearance before his untimely death last year. The story then takes shape with investigations in to the robbery leading to the discovery that the characters are not what they seem with revelations including twists and turns.

There are some slow patches which generally assist in building the tension. It clearly showcases that not all crime dramas need to include action scenes to build the dramatic thrust. There are some silent moments though that could have welcomed an injection of energy. The music score with its pulsating rhythms also contributes to the dramatic tension.

All the actors succeed in their roles. Tom Hardy shows once again that he is one of the finest British actors of his generation. He convinces again with another accent and demonstrates his brooding personality with his performance. James Gandolfini was a brilliant character actor and it's great to know that his career ended on a high note.

The screenplay has been written by Dennis Lehane who also wrote the novels "Mystic River" and "Gone Baby Gone". Both those movies also featured very good character development so you'll know what to expect from this movie. If you didn't like those movies because you prefer action scenes, then you'd be best advised to wait for the next unworthy action blockbuster.

Starring Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace and James Gandolfini
(106 minutes)
Parental advice: Coarse language and violence
Additional scene during or after credits: No
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lCiDIcqMe0 (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Saturday 15th November, 2014)