Review: Welcome to the Punch (15)

There are helicopter shots aplenty of London’s shiny Canary Wharf in this rapid-fire, rip-roaring thriller that seeks to both emulate and eclipse the American films that have inspired it.
Mark Strong in Welcome To The PunchMark Strong in Welcome To The Punch
Mark Strong in Welcome To The Punch

Only the second movie from writer/director Eran Creevy (following his £100,000 debut, Shifty) it wears its inspirations proudly; it was executive produced by Ridley Scott and bears witness to his stylistic approach.

James McAvoy is Max, the tenacious cop injured during a close encounter with villain Sternwood (Mark Strong). Coaxed from his hiding place when his son is shot, Sternwood returns to his old stamping ground to find his nemesis waiting.

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What is initially presented as a cat-and-mouse tale of revenge gradually morphs into a juicy, multi-layered story of corruption within police ranks.

It is littered with high-calibre talent – David Morrissey, Peter Mullan, Daniel Mays – in key roles and the central pairing of McAvoy and Strong is a casting choice of genius.

The slight McAvoy with his height deficiency, two-tone hair and straggly beard makes for an unlikely action star yet never once is he anything other than convincing. Possessed of an intensity combined with emotive vulnerability, he presents Max as more than just a one-dimensional gung-ho firecracker. Strong is stepping up to be our finest modern anti-hero. Creevy’s experience as a director of music promos is evident.