Jason Statham stars in this dramatic crime thriller about a homeless man who takes the identity of another man and goes to work in London's criminal underworld, in order to provide for the poor (like him) and avenge his missing girlfriend. The movie was written and directed by Steven Knight, in his feature film directorial debut. Knight's other writing credits include the critically acclaimed crime dramas 'EATERN PROMISES' and 'DIRTY PRETTY THINGS' as well as the historical drama 'AMAZING GRACE'. The movie is much more of a character drama than Statham's usual action fare (he switches off from time to time). It's nice for a change to see him doing different parts but I'd like to see him get his hands on a really good script. This film is interesting but not too engaging.
Statham plays Joey Smith, an ex-Royal Marine who is now homeless on the streets of London. After being attacked one day, by gang members, Joey is separated from his girlfriend and brakes into an apartment to hide. Learning the man who lives there is away for several months he decides to stay and temporarily take his identity. He then uses his skills and military training to secure jobs working in the criminal underworld while he looks for his girlfriend and gives his profits to other poor people in need. He befriends a young nun (Agata Buzek), who works for a local church soup kitchen providing food to the homeless, and enlists her help in finding his girlfriend.
The movie has a few good scenes of Statham doing what he does best (beating people up) but for the most part the movie is pretty light on action. This does leave room for Statham to play a slightly more developed and likable character than he usually does but it's Buzek who gives the film's most complex and interesting performance. She kind of steels the show from Statham, at least on a dramatic level, and since there's not a lot of action that's all it takes. Statham does have some decent chemistry with her though and this gives him the chance to show off his romantic leading man chops as well. This is where the film is strongest. It does have a few good thrills and punches but for the most part it works best as a character drama. It's nice that Statham is diversifying himself a little by doing projects like this but his action films are still his best (at least since his early Guy Ritchie work).
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