A young nobleman turns to crime to thwart a local administrator’s lust for power. Messy (like the 2017 King Arthur) ahistorical retelling, pillaging from other versions and franchises such as The Hunger Games, Assassin’s Creed and The Matrix. Even the casting echoes other, better movies: Star Wars: Rogue One and The Name of the Rose included.
Tag: Ben Mendelsohn
Captain Marvel (2019, dir. Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck)
An alien warrior works to prevent a rival species from gaining a foothold on 1995 Earth. Slow-starting but generally entertaining superhero origin flick, wisely not overdoing its nostalgic comedy; the film’s hampered somewhat by the low-stakes storyline.
Mississippi Grind (2015, dir. Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck)
A deadbeat gambler goes on a road trip with a stranger he considers a lucky charm. A great, unassuming little movie with more than a touch of realism that works well with road movie tropes and allows Mendelsohn, in particular, the space to shine. Hugely recommended.
Rogue One [AKA Rogue One: A Star Wars Story] (2016, dir. Gareth Edwards)
![Rogue One [AKA Rogue One: A Star Wars Story] (2016, dir. Gareth Edwards)](https://255review.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/rogue-one.jpg?w=299)
A small group of rebels try to steal the plans to the Death Star. Superior side mission from the Star Wars universe, answering a small plot question from the 1977 movie. By no means essential, but nevertheless rousing space opera fun, and lovingly designed.
Want another view? Here’s Xussia’s tuppenceworth.
Killer Elite (2011, dir. Gary McKendry)
A team of mercenaries fall foul of a SAS death squad. Brisk and intriguing 1980-set thriller with bags of action, based on a then-controversial Ranulph Fiennes book. More action than sense at times, but still plenty of genre fun.
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