Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Crime
Runtime: 87 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Brie Larson, Armie Hammer, Cillian Murphy, Sharlto Coperly, Jack Reynor
Description: Set in Boston in 1978, a meeting in a deserted warehouse between two gangs turns into a shootout and a game of survival.
Review: The cultural influence of director Quentin Tarantino is clearly present in Ben Wheatley’s “Free Fire”. It’s filled with action and morbide humor and is basically set in one location. But Wheatley doesn’t manage to succeed completely.
In an abandoned warehouse in Boston, a group of criminals come together to close a weapons deal. The group with the money: IRA-member Chris, Justine, old Frank and hitmen Stevo and Bernie. The group with the weapons: South African Vernon, ‘failed’ Black Panther member Martin and Gordon and Harry. Chaperon is the bearded Ord.
It’s clear from the start that they don’t want to have anything to do with each other. It doesn’t help that Harry and Stevo had an argument the day before. Tensions get high and it soon escalates. Bullets flying all over the place, people hiding and getting hurt and not knowing who is on which side.
“Free Fire” has two basic elements: humor and action. The shootings are filmed in all kinds of ways, to keep it interesting, but even with almost 90 minutes runtime the film drags a bit sometimes. It’s all a bit too chaotic to stay interesting constantly. You’re actually waiting for something to happen.
The humor takes some time, but eventually it’s strong and it has a macabre touch. This is the strong point of the film. “Free Fire” is an entertaining film, but doesn’t stay interesting the entire runtime. It’s saved by the good humor.
Rating: 3/ 5
