Welcome to the Punch has about five
minutes of relevant real-world discussion about the practicality of a
firearm-free police force in a society where criminals often carry deadly
weapons themselves. Then it dismisses the subject, puts a gun in the police
protagonist’s hand and unravels into a brainless shoot-‘em-up. Though it leaves
little too think about and was easily replaced in my brain with the next piece
of spectacle, Welcome to the Punch is
a solid action film with more impact in visual style than narrative content or
character development.
Despite having
an easily forgettable screenplay from visually proficient writer/director Eran
Creevy, Welcome to the Punch is
elevated slightly, even in the scenes without an explosive soundtrack, thanks
to a talented cast of actors who are too good for this material. James McAvoy
continues his struggle to shake the boyish image which elevated him to fame,
heading up the cast as detective Max Lewinsky, a man left permanently scarred
after a failed attempt to take down criminal mastermind, Jacob Sternwood (Mark
Strong). When Sternwood’s son is caught up in a failed criminal venture of his
own, Max’s retired nemesis is forced to return to London
I could explain
the plot more, but if I wrote even one sentence further there is a chance it
would reveal the only remaining twist. This is not a complex film, and
surprises can be guessed long before they arrive for anyone who has seen the
plethora of films which preceded this one. There is little in the story which
is new or exciting, but none of that will matter to actions fans once the
shooting begins.
The Blu-ray
includes a making-of featurette, as well as additional interviews with star
players. There is also a trailer for the film.
Entertainment Value:
8.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 6/10
Historical
Significance: 3/10
Disc Features: 5/10
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