The Limey
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Movie Reviews of The Limey
Movie Review: "You tell him, you tell him I'm coming."
Summary: 3 Stars
Is there anything stronger than a father's love for his daughter? Steven Soderbergh's "The Limey" is a film that argues that a father would go to extraordinary lengths for the sake of his daughter - even going so far as embarking on a destructive and chaotic rampage in order to track down and punish her killer.A man named Wilson (Terence Stamp) is released from a prison and immediately heads for Los Angeles after learning that his daughter has been killed. The prime suspect in the murder is a record producer named Terry Valentine (Peter Fonda). It turns out all of the trouble Valentine finds himself in with Wilson is due to an ill-advised business dealing with a man named Jim Avery (Barry Newman) involving illegal drugs. Avery and Valentine do their best to eliminate Wilson but the vengeful father won't be denied his revenge.
Terence Stamp has long been an underappreciated actor and "The Limey" is one of those vehicles that showcases just how talented an actor he is. The story is a simple revenge fable but Stamp's gritty and intense performance combined with Soderbergh's stylistic direction gives this film an identity all its own. This film was made before Soderbergh did his more high profile projects but it has his stamp of quality all over it. Take a look at it if you're in the mood for a small but potent film.
Movie Review: a fast 'n' loose crime thriller
Summary: 5 Stars
I always thought that this was a slightly darker companion piece to Soderbergh's Out of Sight but where that film was more in a classic Hollywood style, The Limey is a jump cutting mood piece that is closer to the independent scene. Every so often, Soderbergh likes to shake things up by doing one of these quick, down 'n' dirty indie films between big budget films.Terence Stamp has never been better as the hard as nails Wilson. With that steely glare and fierce determination you really begin to pity anybody who crosses his path. This is a really fascinating tale of revenge and, ultimately, redemption. I would have never thought of casting Peter Fonda as the heavy but he's quite good as the morally bankrupt baddie. He's almost overshadowed by the criminally underrated Barry Newman who plays his no-nonsense right hand man. Throw in Leslie Ann Warren and the always entertaining Luis Guzman (who gets some great lines in this film -- esp. during the party scene at Fonda's house), and you've got one helluva film.
This DVD is particularly worth checking out for the rousing commentary with Soderbergh and the film's screenwriter Lem Dobbs. These guys get into quite the heated argument during the film that is quite entertaining to listen to! It's certainly something you don't hear every day.
If you're a fan of Soderbergh's films but only know him from the high profile projects like Erin Brockovich or Ocean's Eleven, then check this little gem out. They don't make crime films any better than this bad boy.
Movie Review: Stylish Character Study
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Limey" was directed by Steven Soderbergh right after "Out of Sight," and was another step in his comeback before he triumphed with films such as "Traffic" and "Ocean's 11." It's a small film, with a fairly conventional plot. What sets it apart is the stylish direction and the presence of the enigmatic Terence Stamp in the title role as a two-bit Brit criminal. The movie tells of the death of Stamp's daughter, and his quest for revenge. It reminded me a bit of the recent Ben Kingsley film, "Sexy Beast." The story is told in a jump-cut, fragmented manner that makes it a bit confusing at times but sets it apart from similar movies. It also features quite a few flashbacks, some of which are from one of Stamp's 1960s movies, "Poor Cow." These flashbacks give the film a great deal of texture, which helps the rather generic story. The resolution is a bit too pat, but does pack a much needed emotional wallop. Overall, a pretty good movie that will likely appeal to Soderbergh fans.
Movie Review: A Haunted Man
Summary: 4 Stars
Terence Stamp is Wilson, a 'limey' ex-convict drawn to the United States in search of the truth behind his daughter's (Jenny) death. He finishes his prison sentence only to learn the news that his daughter has died ... under less than acceptable circumstances.Stamp plays Wilson with palpable memories of a haunted past. It's as if pain of seeking revenge has become the only driving force in the man's life, and you can see every ounce of emotion behind every wince in his eyes. Lesley Ann Warren winningly serves as back-up to Stamp's lead -- one of Jenny's only true friends in the facade that is crime-laden southern California. And Luis Guzman -- long-serving supporting roles in standard television fare -- emerges brilliantly to the forefront as Jenny's former acting classmate; he accompanies Wilson on this violent journey of discovery, and he provides a sense of morality to the ex-con in a few key sequences in the film.
LIMEY's editing may not be to everyone's liking. Dialogue is time-lapsed and out-of-sequence throughout significant portions of the film, and, similar to the manner of PULP FICTION, events don't always unfold in typical chronological fashion. However, time is all Wilson has left in his life, and what unfolds before his eyes turns out to be almost as frightening to him as the loss of his only child.
As well, the film boasts what is probably one of the truest portraits of undercover federal drug-enforcement policy on film.
On all counts, THE LIMEY emerges as a triumphant picture about the deep dark places to which only one man bent on knowing the truth will go.
Movie Review: Great Scenery, Dry Humor, and Panache
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie is a winner. It has some moments of humor and a poignant message in the end. It is an obvious throwback to 60's thrillers and has many references to the 60s. However, it does have some innovative filming techniques. Unfortunately, the director overdoes it in the beginning of the film with the constant flashbacks and flashforwards to the point of agony, but then once you reach the 15 minute mark things settle down and it becomes a very watcheable and entertaining vehicle. The visuals of the Southern California lanscape are breathtaking and make me want to travel there. The scenes where Wilson head-butts the security guard and where he shoots up the warehouse are brilliant and hilarious because they are so understated. This film is stylistically smart and also contains a message at the end about revenge and grief that is very touching.