review: OUTLAW

Magnolia Pictures  //  Buy from Amazon.com On the violent streets of the lawless society of present day London an unlikely rag-tag band of like minded souls unite together to restore order and righteousness. Featuring a talented ensemble cast, the film stars Sean Bean (Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, National Treasure), Danny Dyer (Severance), Rupert Friend (Pride and Prejudice, The Last Legion), Sean Harris (Creep, Asylum), Lennie James ("Jericho", "Storm Damage") and Bob Hoskins (Hollywoodland, Mrs. Henderson Presents) as a group of ordinary men thrown together by fate who decide to avenge themselves against those who have done them terrible wrongs. Written and directed by Nick Love (The Football Factory, The Business) and markedly different in tone and style from his previous films, Outlaw is a primal tale that captures a feeling of emasculation in the modern, law abiding male and expresses the fear and frustration which exists from a lack of government and police protection. I'd never heard of this one before requesting a copy for review, but the plot synopsis sounded right up my alley... and plus it stars Sean Bean, the super badass from the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy (and many other films in which he is truly badass.) This film is exactly what I was hoping for: gritty, gripping, no holds barred intense action spectacular with serious ass-kicking that hits you squarely between the eyes. Far too often these days, so-called "hard hitting" action films end up watering their ass-kicking down with sappy love sub-plots or just drift aimlessly away from the ass-whooping we want to see... thankfully, this is not the case in "Outlaw" - it's action is intense and unrelenting, and it's enjoyable from start to finish. I'm already recommending this one to my friends & co-workers, so definitely pick up a copy to purchase or rent - if the synopsis appeals to you, you will not be disappointed, I promise you. Video The 16x9 anamorphic widescreen transfer is first-rate through and through and cleanly delivers the (intentionally) green-tinged visuals. Audio A solid Dolby 5.1 surround mix is clean & audible throughout - this is mostly a "talkie" film, and the dialogue is always clear & easy to hear. Extras audio commentary w/ director & actor Danny Dyer making-of featurette featurette on the film's extras "shooting the rave scene" featurette deleted scenes video diaries Closing Thoughts Intense, action-packed social commentary + solid assortment of extras = definitely recommended