Tuesday, 30 September 2014

Review: Charismatic 'Plastic' Keeps The Inner Movie Geek Satisfied

Plastic
I’m seasoned enough to know that not every film is going to be a stunning achievement in cinematic history.  Some movies are merely meant to entertain – provide escapism where needed.  The problem lies in films that either think they are giving more with little to no extra effort (see the new Equalizer!) or those that merely go through the motions with zero thought to the folks who pay to see it.  Thankfully the more style than substance grifting thriller "Plastic" is none of the above, instead a pleasant distraction with enough charisma and cool to keep the inner movie geek satisfied.
Sam and his band of credit card stealing college cronies have quite a thing going.  Funding their education and lives with various crafty and inventive scams – from blackmailing adulterers into forking up their plastic to ordering expensive items to the homes of unsuspecting folks when they’re out – the foursome have made quite a crime dent with their various endeavors.  Problem is their latest victim is actually an accountant to a very vicious and sadistic gangster who takes the thought of his property being stolen very seriously.  He gives the team an ultimatum – produce what is owed with sizable interest or die.
Plastic 
Again, not the most original story in the world (you want conman unique rent David Mamet’s "House of Games!"), but as slickly laid out by director Julian Gilbey "Plastic" holds attention.  The film manages to be both a convincing con flick as well as a heist picture all told with a slightly above board sense of style.  So while the roles within have familiar traits of ones that came before – the hothead, the cool leader, the calm right hand man and the emotional hottie – there is still uniqueness to each that keeps "Plastic" out of crappy character territory.  I especially loved Ed Speleers as the cunning and manipulative headman and brash and bawdy tough guy Thomas Kretschmann as the heavy handed Marcel – opposite sides of the criminal coin.  (Not to mention "Rambo" heavy Graham McTavish who has a great time as an opportunity seizing slimeball jeweler!)
At the end of the day "Plastic" isn’t going to win any originality awards, but slight differences and awareness of the enjoyment by an audience makes it better then most.  In the end it’s not just about the pleasure for the folks making the movie – the joy has to be shared by those who shill out hard earned dollars as well.          
 Plastic  Stars: 3
   Genre: Comedy / Action
   Cast: Ed Speleers, Will Poulter, Alfie Allen
   Director: Julian Gilbey
   Rating: R
   Running Time: 102 Minutes
   Release Company: Arc Entertainment
   Website: http://plasticmovie.co.uk
src starpulse.com/

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