Friday, November 14, 2014

Movie Review ... The Drop

 

The Drop  PosterFrom ‘The Godfather’ to ‘The Sopranos’ viewers have been fascinated with crime gangs.  Revolving around a loose ‘family’ of people, their shady interactions never go out of style.  ‘The Drop’ explores another facet of this oft-travelled road.  Whilst a nasty conclusion for someone is predictably guaranteed, ‘The Drop’ has some genuinely unexpected surprises.

Funnelling cash to local gangsters via a syndicate of bars, bartender Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) has his work cut-out.  In league with his cousin Marv (James Gandolfini), Bob’s actions soon catch up with him.  Caught in a botched robbery the ensuing police investigation places in him the law’s sights.  Relying on those he trusts, Bob finds loyalties can be very vague in the murky world in which he resides.

Strongly directed by Michael R Roskam, this excellent film continually captivates.  Portraying Bob’s struggle to either stand by his beliefs or delve into the dark spaces of his shady peers, ‘The Drop’ is an engrossing character study.  Mostly discarding violent incident and action, it explores the psychological tension everyone feels within their crooked universe.  Anything can happen with double cross, love and constant danger always in play – leading to engrossing viewing.

‘The Drop’ wouldn’t work without the fine casting.  Hardy and Gandolfini inhabit their characters so well.  The realism they inject ensures they truly immerse themselves into their opposing personalities.  In his final screen appearance Gandolfini reminds what a talent has been lost with his co-stars providing solid support.  Roskam’s use of cinematography enhances their performances with a gritty and grimy atmosphere that never lets go.

A strong crime thriller, ‘The Drop’ is a fascinating reflection on divided loyalties.  Fans of these movies should continue to enjoy the crime genre as it shows no signs of fading. The evil that men do forever entrances audiences.

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Movie Review Rating out of 10:  8

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.

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