Skip to main content

Locke (2013)

Locke is about a construction manager who makes a few phone calls during a midnight drive to a certain destination.

Steven Knight took a lot of risks in writing and directing a movie like this. Because it's a single location film the direction can take a few steps back and rely on the acting and storytelling. It was good that the film was able to keep the attention of the audience when the idea is so basic. He made construction site drama actually interesting. This sort of writing makes me excited for his next movie World War Z 2. I kinda hope that's not the title but whatever.

Tom Hardy is the only person you see throughout the film and it's his expressions and behavior that really sell him as the lead only actor. Sure there are voiceovers for people that he's talking to, including Tom Holland. The frustration he has when dealing with work and the calmness that he musters during the conversations he has with his son are just spot on. The surprising thing is that Hardy only spent six days on set to film the movie and each shot was in a single take. I doubt there are many actors out there that could pull off a film like this in only one take.

There's a movie that just released a trailer coming out that stars Tom Hardy and has Tom Holland in it called Venom and it reminded me that this film also had those two. Even if the trailer isn't up to stuff at least this film will rest your mind on Hardy being a good actor. Side note, did you know that Hardy chose to do this film in exchange for Knight being the writer of Hardy's show Taboo?

Result: B+ (While other people might get bored because there are no explosions, the film stands on its own two legs)


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Strangers: Chapter 3 (2026)

The Strangers: Chapter 3 (2026) closes out Renny Harlin’s trilogy with the strongest entry of the three. The story is more focused and more engaging this time, though it still leans too heavily on flashbacks that slow momentum. The final stretch puts the lead on a metaphorical cliff and sets up a darker possibility, but the film goes with the safe Hollywood ending that most viewers will see coming. It works, but it feels like a missed opportunity. This whole trilogy probably would have worked better as a streaming series instead of three separate films. Renny Harlin , known for Cliffhanger and Die Hard 2 , wraps up the trilogy with his most controlled effort of the set. The tension is more consistent and the structure is cleaner, even if the reliance on repeated backstory holds it back. It is an improvement in execution, just not a reinvention. Madelaine Petsch , recognized from Riverdale and Jane , completes her run as the final girl and continues to carry the series on her back....
Post a Comment
Read more

Send Help (2026)

Send Help (2026) is a survival thriller that quietly builds tension until the jump scares start landing, at which point it becomes very clear who is behind the camera. I actually forgot it was a Sam Raimi film until one particular scare snapped that memory back into place. The film balances suspense and character moments well, and the visual presentation helps sell the emotional shift across the story. Sam Raimi , known for The Evil Dead and Spider-Man , brings his trademark timing to the scare beats and camera movement. His direction gives even simple moments a sense of unease. The film is more restrained than his wildest work, but the horror mechanics are sharp and effective when they show up. Rachel McAdams , recognized from The Notebook and Mean Girls , delivers a strong performance that is helped a lot by smart costume and makeup design. The first half intentionally downplays her appearance to make her seem worn down and ordinary, while the second half lets her natural presen...
Post a Comment
Read more

Crime 101 (2026)

Crime 101 (2026) is a crime thriller that checks the basic boxes of what should work, but the writing never tightens enough to make it compelling. It hits familiar beats, runs longer than it should, and never quite earns its tension. It feels like a good movie outline stretched into a full runtime. Bart Layton , known for American Animals and The Imposter , directs, and his uneven filmography shows here. The structure is serviceable, but the pacing drags and the scenes lack urgency. The direction is competent without being memorable, and the film never finds a sharp identity. Chris Hemsworth , known for Thor and Extraction , plays the reclusive criminal at the center of the story. He tries to lean into a quieter, more internal performance, but he does not fully sell the damaged foster child mentality the script is aiming for. The performance feels like an attempt rather than a transformation. Mark Ruffalo , recognized for Spotlight and The Avengers , feels like he is on autopilo...
Post a Comment
Read more