37: FIFTY DEAD MEN WALKING

It was time to check out Cineworld Chelsea, one of the London venues I hadn't visited yet. I went for a double bill, making up Numbers 37 and 38 of the 100 Free Movies In TWO Years list!

A harrowing tale of an informer working against the IRA during The Troubles; brutal, intense and Ben Kingsley has a funny accent. The real life informer, Martin McGartland, distanced himself from the movie, but, if not authentic, this movie certainly does pack a punch.

6.5 out of 10

10: ADULTHOOD

Why I chose it?

Plain and simple, I wanted to watch something from the independent stable. Too many blockbusters in a row has deadened the impact, especially when one of those blockbusters was The Happening. Time to see something raw and without the over the top special effects.

Where?

Cinema 4, Wandsworth Southside Shopping Centre, 7.10pm (experienced first hand bus rage on the way to the cinemas with a 12 year old who insisted on playing music on her mobile at the highest volume; thought I'd risk getting knifed just to get me into the mood).

Comments?

This was exactly what I was after - a movie that is raw, visceral and without any visible boom mikes.

Adulthood is a sequel, set six years after the movie Kidulthood, which was also written by director Noel Clarke. It is quite an eye-opening look at life in West London for these young adults with violence, drugs and really bad language the order of the day. I haven't seen Kidulthood but I suspect it is more of the same, but with the added impact of the main characters at a younger age.

Not seeing Kidulthood doesn't detract from enjoying this sequel, even though the events do have a major impact on the set up of Adulthood. In short, Sam Peel has just come out of the slammer after doing something really bad at the end of Kidulthood and there are a number of people out for revenge. He has a few allies along the way but they are just as flawed and messed up as he is and they cause him more grief than good.

Adulthood is pretty full on and the skill of the actors involved creates an increased level of realism. It's the perfect independent film to foil big-blockbusters-itis and has the added fun of spotting London landmarks ("Look, there's Hammersmith tube station!"). The Mexican standoff ending is a bit lame, especially after the action that precedes it but that is a minor grumble.

Adulthood is not as good as similar urban gang movies such as Bullet Boy, Tsotsi and the brilliant City of God, but it does have an impact on the viewer. I will definitely be thinking twice before joining in on road, restaurant, bus or any other type of rage on the London streets.

Would I pay to see it?

Innit.

Rating?

6.5 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"Don't look at anyone. Keep staring ahead. Let that guy play his music on the bus. Don't worry about the girl next to you smoking. Just keep calm." Daryl Nilbett

3 : IRON MAN

Why I chose it?

Robert Downey Jnr really. Yes, I was pretty keen to see a good superhero movie and the trailer looked exciting, but it was Mr Downey Jnr's turn as Tony Stark which drew me in - it was supposed to be quite a unique character as superhero's ulter egos go.

Where?

Cinema 4, Hammersmith, 5.30pm (had to run to make it!)

Comments?

The effects were very good and the build up to how Stark becomes Iron Man was interesting, but it was Robert Downey Jnr who made this movie watchable - very entertaining. As for the plot, the backstory dominated the movie leaving little room for any big time battles except for the finale, which was okay at today's superhero movie standards. Jeff Bridges was excellent as Obadiah Stane - a far cry from The Dude but entertaining nonetheless.

Would I pay to see it?

I think I would: it was enjoyable and Downey Jnr was quite funny.

Rating?

6.5 out of 10

Post Movie Quote:

"Very entertaining, but what's next? Ah, yes - Speed Racer!" Daryl Nilbett.