The Departed’s Academy Award-winning screenwriter William Monahan makes his directorial debut in the gritty British crime drama film London Boulevard. Based on Irish crime writer Ken Bruen’s novel of the same name, Monahan wrote the screenplay and is one of the producers as well. It stars Colin Farrell, Keira Knightley, Ray Winstone, David Thewlis, Anna Friel and Ben Chaplin.
Set in London, Mitchell is a violent ex-con just released from Pentonville Prison after doing three years for grievous bodily harm. Determined to never be imprisoned again, he decides to leave the criminal life for good and tries to keep himself on the straight and narrow. He meets the beautiful, reclusive movie star Charlotte from Holland Park and ends up becoming her bodyguard and handyman.
However, soon Mitchell’s past catches up with him. His longtime friend Billy tries to lure him back into the game and crime boss Rob Gant will not leave Mitchell alone. Gant knows Mitchell is one of the most feared in the London underground and wants him on his side.
When Mitchell falls in love with Charlotte and Gant comes after his friends and family, he realizes there is only one way out. He must become a gangster once more if he wants to get out of the “life” for good.
London Boulevard is sexy, brutal, foul-mouthed and totally gangster. Colin Farrell is at his best playing the tough ex-con feared throughout London underground. Ray Winstone is absolutely villainous as the crime boss who will do anything to get Mitchell back into the game. As the formidable pair duel it out, Kiera Knightley and Anna Friel provide the eye candy. While the sultry Knightley plays the paranoid actress and Mitchell’s love interest, Friel is Mitchell’s drugged out, stubborn, childish sister. Both actresses give a fine performance playing their respective parts. David Thewlis and Ben Chaplin round out the superb supporting cast.
First-time director William Monahan has done a great job with London Boulevard, from the main premises to the various sub-plots. Though some parts seem to jump a little too fast and leave the audience wanting more, overall it is a stylish, gripping and very well executed underworld thriller not to be missed.
The DVD and Blu-ray releases include a making-of featurette. Both releases are available at all major New York City retailers including Best Buy, Target and Walmart (in Long Island).
Cast:
- Colin Farrell as Mitchell
- Keira Knightley as Charlotte
- Ray Winstone as Rob Gant
- David Thewlis as Jordan
- Anna Friel as Briony
- Stephen Graham as Mitchell’s contact
- Ben Chaplin as Billy
- Eddie Marsan as DI Bailey
- Matt King as Fletcher
- Sanjeev Bhaskar as Dr. Sanji Raju
- Ophelia Lovibond as Penny
- Gerald Home as the Undertaker
Special Features:
- The Making of London Boulevard
Best Prices:
DVD - $17.96 at Walmart.com, $17.99 at Amazon.com, $19.99 at Target, $29.99 at Best Buy
Blu-ray - $19.96 at Walmart.com, $19.99 at Amazon.com, $24.99 at Target, $34.99 at Best Buy
Stores:
- Best Buy: New York City locations or use the store locator for other areas.
- BJ's Wholesale Club: New York City locations or use the store locator for other areas.
- Blockbuster: New York City locations or use the store locator for other areas.
- FYE: New York City locations or use the store locator for other areas.
- Kmart: New York City locations or use the store locator for other areas.
- Toys 'R' Us: New York City locations or use the store locator for other areas.
- Target: New York City locations or use the store locator for other areas.
- Walmart: Long Island locations or use the store locator for other areas.
- Amazon.com charges sales tax for all New York shipping addresses.
Comments