Spivs (2004)
Jack, Steve and Goat are East-End Spivs. They spend their time wheeling and dealing wherever and whenever they can. It's not until Jack and the others get involved with a guy called Villa, and they are landed with a big payday they have been waiting for, when they realise what a mess they are into. At the back of the lorry they have smuggled goods in, they find illegal immigrants. Most of them escape but they are left with 2 kids; a boy and a girl, and have to decide what to do with them... Are they going to look after them and feed them, clothe them, love them, etc. or are they going to leave them on the streets of East-End London?
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Absolutely the worst movie.
The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.
The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.
The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
Spivs has a believable, clever but not over complicated plot. As the film starts with the stereotypical spiv characters we seem in store for a light hearted conmen comedy, an attempt at 'The Sting' maybe. But the film becomes gradually darker and nothing you thought you could predict occurs. The desperation and anguish that overcomes the main character is brilliantly portrayed by Ken Stott, as we are transferred from the feel of 'Shooting Fish' to 'Mona Lisa'. All performances are good with Stott stealing the show but the mafia boss wasn't menacing enough and seemed slightly out of place, while his main henchman was very frightening. The direction was generally OK with some genuinely gripping scenes but some overused flashy camera-work did lose the film some momentum in places. Overall, I enjoyed the film.
SPOILER FREEIn all honesty the only reason I bothered to watch this was for Dom Monaghan (who wasn't in it enough IMO).The film had solid performances by all actors, with some impressive cameos (Jack Dee for instance),but was rather slow paced. The story was surprisingly heartwarming with a 'feel good' ending.I imagine this film is going to find it hard to find a real audience - the violence of some scenes didn't work well with some of the softer themes. This was evidenced by the fact there were only 4 people at our showing (including myself).I've given it 6 out of ten due to the pace and slightly clichéd script. The actors did their very best with a badly paced script.
I had to search the internet to find a cinema where it was showing(it has not been widely promoted)but I was glad that I did find it.the film brought out a wide range of emotions in me it was in places tender,dramatic,exciting and midway through the film there is a shock I certainly didn't see coming.The acting was top class. Dominic Monaghan was totally believable as a cockney dope head and even brought a little comic relief to a film dealing with some very serious issues:ken stott gave a great performance too,the parts of the two children caught up in the drama are convincingly played and I found nothing at all to complain about in Spivs:it is well worth watching and I look forward to seeing it again
I was fortunate enough to see the film before it was on general release. It is a really great movie. Strong but understated, humorous yet tragic - typically Brit. Works well on the big screen and will work well on DVD too.