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Welcome to the Punch Blu-ray review

  • Actors: James McAvoy, Mark Strong
  • Director: Eran Creevy
  • Format: Blu-ray, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
  • Language: English
  • Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Rated: R
  • Studio: MPI HOME VIDEO
  • Release Date: July 23, 2013
  • Run Time: 99 minutes






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            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. Seeing his opportunity to redeem himself and obtain revenge in the process, Max’s passion returns to the job as he hunts Sherwood down.

     

            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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