To protect his brother-in-law from a drug lord, a former smuggler heads to Panama to score millions of dollars in counterfeit bills.
It was another "spontaneous movie-weekend" and I decided to go for Contraband, a movie that seems to deliver. I really didn't have anything to get on, only that the trailer made it seem plausible. Sitting down, popcorn ready, movie starting; I seemingly enjoyed this above-average thriller that surely delivers the one and only thing it requires: your entertainment. Let's start on my favorite subject: the directing. What annoyed me the most was this exact thing. The cinematography was horribly messy, and everything was so fast-paced, your going to be tracking back of what happened. Trust me, it's not THAT bad, but it does require some readying beforehand. The acting was decent. We have Mark Waulburg, who I can say is a very great actor. Kate Beckinsale is her usual self, which is always a good thing. Everybody else did a good job, but most notably was the main villain Eirkur, played by Giovanni Ribisi. We've seen the guy in movies before, but either his performance was more so of a background character, or he didn't show his true ability. In Contraband, all feelings are about to reverse. When he talks throughout, he mumbles, you can't understand him, it's a bit creepy. And that's the whole point of a villain. He's supposed to test the hero's strength and ability, and although this isn't some superhero movie, it still does a great job realizing this. He gets the most notable role. Next, we have the action. Although the movie isn't fully geared on action, the movie has it's scenes. Some are intense, some are just shoot-em-up, and some are gritty and violent. I liked the diversity, really, but each time an action scene showed, I knew I had to concentrate hard to see what's to happen. Lastly, I'd like to take note on how horrendous the first half of the film is. I enjoyed the presentation and the way the film builds itself, but some of it was completely pointless. I found myself rethinking of any expectations I had beforehand, and then the second half saves it. Great twist, great action, and a real great story- telling. If it weren't for the Resurrection there, I surely would not have been a happy man. In conclusion, I enjoyed Contraband. Although it wasn't the best movie of 2012, it packed a lot of fun and drama. I like the performances, the action, and the pure awesomeness it consumes. I recommend it! 7/10.
It was another "spontaneous movie-weekend" and I decided to go for Contraband, a movie that seems to deliver. I really didn't have anything to get on, only that the trailer made it seem plausible. Sitting down, popcorn ready, movie starting; I seemingly enjoyed this above-average thriller that surely delivers the one and only thing it requires: your entertainment. Let's start on my favorite subject: the directing. What annoyed me the most was this exact thing. The cinematography was horribly messy, and everything was so fast-paced, your going to be tracking back of what happened. Trust me, it's not THAT bad, but it does require some readying beforehand. The acting was decent. We have Mark Waulburg, who I can say is a very great actor. Kate Beckinsale is her usual self, which is always a good thing. Everybody else did a good job, but most notably was the main villain Eirkur, played by Giovanni Ribisi. We've seen the guy in movies before, but either his performance was more so of a background character, or he didn't show his true ability. In Contraband, all feelings are about to reverse. When he talks throughout, he mumbles, you can't understand him, it's a bit creepy. And that's the whole point of a villain. He's supposed to test the hero's strength and ability, and although this isn't some superhero movie, it still does a great job realizing this. He gets the most notable role. Next, we have the action. Although the movie isn't fully geared on action, the movie has it's scenes. Some are intense, some are just shoot-em-up, and some are gritty and violent. I liked the diversity, really, but each time an action scene showed, I knew I had to concentrate hard to see what's to happen. Lastly, I'd like to take note on how horrendous the first half of the film is. I enjoyed the presentation and the way the film builds itself, but some of it was completely pointless. I found myself rethinking of any expectations I had beforehand, and then the second half saves it. Great twist, great action, and a real great story- telling. If it weren't for the Resurrection there, I surely would not have been a happy man. In conclusion, I enjoyed Contraband. Although it wasn't the best movie of 2012, it packed a lot of fun and drama. I like the performances, the action, and the pure awesomeness it consumes. I recommend it! 7/10.