I’m not quite
sure if Pawn has a simple plot at its core which has been intentionally
overcomplicated by stylized filmmaking, or if it is an over-complicated plot
which is laid out in sloppy narrative manner. Either way, Pawn has more
potential than it seems to know what to do with. Perhaps this is due to the
fact that this is cinematographer David A. Armstrong’s first attempt at
directing. Pawn looks great but rarely matches up in other areas. For one
thing, the acting is uneven at best, despite a star-studded cast.
The film takes
place almost entirely in a diner late at night. There is the usual cast of
characters in the diner, though we soon find that there is much more going on
than it seems. When a cop (Forest Whitaker) walks into the diner and notices
that all of the customers are distressed, it is quite clear that the place is
being robbed, but the plot is much more convoluted than that.
A group of
British thugs (led by an occasionally convincing Michael Chiklis) enter the
diner to rob it, but they are there for something in the safe other than money.
This item is valuable enough to peak the interest of the cops and the local mob
bosses (Ray Liotta among others). It may also provide an escape for one of the
unfortunate diner hostages (Sean Faris), who the police mistakenly believe is
behind the robbery turned hostage situation. Add in a hostage negotiator
(Common), mistaken identities and a pregnant wife and you have most of the film
in a nutshell.
The Blu-ray
includes a behind-the-scenes featurette.
Entertainment Value:
6/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 5/10
Historical
Significance: 2/10
Disc Features: 2/10
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