Writer: Naseem Randhawa

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Watch this if you liked: "A Clockwork Orange", "The Black Dahlia" and "Public Enemies"

Rowan Joffe's "Brighton Rock" is said to not exactly be a remake of John Boulting's 1947 film, but more like a direct adaptation of the Graham Greene's novel upon which the story is apparently based upon. The story follows a teenage gangster Pinkie Brown (Sam Riley), who starts a relationship with a young waitress, Rose (Andrea Riseborough), after she comes across an evidence that could convict Pinkie of murder.

Ever since his performance as Joy Division's vocalist Ian Curtis in Anton Corbijn's "Control", Sam Riley has been a talent that has just been brewing to explode. Here, the actor casually slips into the role of a notorious gangster that is truly chilling.

Andrea Riseborough ("Made In Dagenham" and "Never Let Me Go") skilfully portrays the naive Rose, and backs her performance with a dynamic vigour. The pair are joined by a veteran British cast which comprises of (Helen Mirren, John Hurt and Andy Serkis), but it is Riley and Riseborough who are most interesting to watch, keeping audiences glued to the screen in sheer anticipation.

"Brighton Rock" marks the directorial debut of Joffe ("The American") as a solid effort. The film, however, is let down by its thinly stretched metaphors which seems out of place than meaningful themes. Nevertheless, while some may question the need to retell this classic story, there are enough ideas to ensure that "Brighton Rock" is an interesting and enjoyable ride.

Cinema Online, 01 August 2011