SnoReptilePlenty Memorable, crazy movie

Nessieldwi Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

Rosie Searle It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Bumpy Chip It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

kushina3 Such a bad bad movie. It is watchable, but not worth your time even in the most boring hours of your life. Skip it, or regret it.

happy_hangman To be honest, reading the existing reviews for this film on IMDb had me preparing for a cheap-as-chips stinker of 'Get Keith' proportions. That I was tempted to give it a chance is down to an admiration for scriptwriter Paul Abbot's past work, the presence of the lovely Parminder Nagra in the cast...and the fact that it was a Poundland purchase.It's not a great film. It has an interesting premise, but never seems to realise its potential: one is left with the impression (possibly mistaken) of a project that has been conceived as a mini- series, but truncated uncomfortably into feature form. With a little more character development, and less pedestrian direction, it could have been a far more interesting and effective conspiracy thriller. It is let down by transparent, snarling villains - who render the unfolding conspiracy to the narrative back-burner: WHY they are twirling their pantomime-villain moustaches is incidental. Ms Nagra tries very hard to hold things together, but how a Paris fashion designer is so adept at covert observation worthy of the best screen PIs is never touched upon, let alone developed. Visually it is unremarkable, and for a film whose plot concerns unscrupulous redevelopment of East End properties in the run up to the 2012 Olympics, that distinctive part of London is represented in only one scene: the cinematographer choosing, instead to feature the same tired skylines and landmarks of the prosperous city centre. The music is obtrusive and distracting and, in many cases, completely unnecessary - at times pointlessly imitating Nicholas Hooper's score for Abbot's 2003 'State of Play' TV drama.That said, the cast is generally good - making the best they can with an under-developed script - and THAT is all that stops this sinking completely.

Matthew Clayton I was initially looking forward to this movie, as Paul Abbott's established himself as a different and provocative writer/producer. The central premise is pretty solid, the director aptly captures the gritty and seedy side of London, production values are great for an indie, and the actors do pretty well. Yet there are several big problems.Main culprit is the script. Parminder Nagra, who was wonderful in "Bend it like Beckham", is the lead -- but her character just frowns, sulks, and clomps her way through the narrative like a Nancy Drew without her Prozac. And the character shift -- she starts as a fashion designer-turned-amateur sleuth in the first 10 minutes -- doesn't make much sense at all. And her co-stars -- especially Jonas Armstrong, playing another iteration of Pete from "The Ghost Squad", and Stephen Dillane -- are woefully underused.And further is the pacing of the film, as well as the denouement. There's no sense of urgency or excitement as Deeva pieces together the clues, but when the film starts getting better around its climax, it's too little too late. To top it off, the ending is a total 180 from the film's overarching tone.If you're a fan of the actors, rent it. But I wouldn't recommend a blind buy.

Nikki De Graeve Twenty8k is a compelling and gritty thriller showcasing the best of British talent in terms of cast, crew & storytelling. The intricate plot keeps you guessing all the way through, as there are so many twists and turns along the way. The characters are all believable and found it a real joy to follow the lead character 'Deeva' played by the amazing Parminder Nagra (ER, Alcatraz), in her investigation to find the truth & clear her brother's name.It really is a terrific ensemble cast, each giving fantastic performances: an excellent Jonas Armstrong (Hit & Miss, The Street) plays youth worker 'Clint O'Connor', Michael Socha (Being Human) plays 'Tony', Nichola Burley (Streetdance, Jump) plays 'Andrea', a fabulous Kierston Wareing (Luther,The Shadow Line) plays 'Francesca' and Stephen Dillane (Game of Thrones, Hunted) excels as 'DCI Stone.Twenty8k is beautifully shot by directors David Kew & Neil Thompson, creating lots of atmosphere, the helicopter shots of London in particular are simply breathtaking! Lots of comparisons have been made with 'State of Play' because of Paul Abbott 's involvement with the screenplay. And I tend to agree: if you liked 'State of Play' you'll love Twenty8k!Some critics were rather harsh with their reviews, just because the time of release clashed with the euphoria of the 2012 London Olympics, and so it 'didn't fit the mood'... Honestly some have a very short memory, as Twenty8k was shot just a couple of months before the Summer Riots in London back in August 2011. So the subject matter couldn't have been more contemporary really! Twenty8k is a smart thriller, giving the audience just enough back-story to fill some of the blanks, while still leaving more than enough room for guesswork on how all the puzzle pieces finally fit. Highly entertaining and a very enjoyable watch, don't miss out on this one.You won't be disappointed!