- Film Review
- Reviewed By Alan Jones
-
3 out of 5
Writer/director Rupert Wyatt's feature debut begins with lifer convict Frank Perry (Brian Cox) attempting a break-out to be with his critically ill daughter. But what separates this prison thriller from more traditional jailbreak movies is the use of time-shifting flashbacks, as the tale cuts back and forth between the escape and earlier events. Having involved other inmates from the assortment of punks, bullies, drug dealers and drag queens inhabiting the cellblock corridors in key planning aspects, Perry's getaway through tunnel, sewer and underground train systems doesn't go quite as imagined. Unfortunately, the stylised, fractured structure tends to undercut the suspense, even though the redemptive finale reveals the unusual reason for its use. Nevertheless, Cox anchors the drama with a strong, silent mystique and there's sterling support from Steven Mackintosh (as a vindictive psycho) and Joseph Fiennes (as the muscle in Perry's crew).
Plot Summary
Prison thriller starring Brian Cox and Joseph Fiennes. Frank Perry is serving a life sentence with no chance of parole. When his daughter becomes critically ill, Frank is determined to see her. But will the group of misfits he asks to assist in a daring break-out help or hinder him?
Cast and crew
Cast
- Frank Perry
- Brian Cox
- Lenny Drake
- Joseph Fiennes
- Brodie
- Liam Cunningham
- Viv Batista
- Seu Jorge
- James Lacey
- Dominic Cooper
- Tony
- Steven Mackintosh
- Rizza
- Damian Lewis
- Frank's wife
- Bernadette McKenna
- Frank's daughter
- Eleanor McLynn
- Doctor
- Phelim Drew
Crew
- Director
- Rupert Wyatt
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