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'22 BULLETS' BOY vs. GIRL REVIEW

BOY'S REVIEW

'The Professional,' it seems, is a movie that is on everyone's list of favourite films. When Jean Reno and Luc Besson made it way back in 1994, the partnership yielded one of the great movies, creating a thinking man's action star in Reno, and signalling the arrival of one of today's hottest actresses in Natalie Portman.

While it has been a long time between drinks, when I heard the Besson and Reno were back on the pitch together for '22 Bullets,' I knew there was going to be something special about this film.

Watch the trailer for '22 Bullets'

PICS: See stills from the film

Unlike 'The Professional,' Besson is in the producer's chair this time, letting writer, director and actor Richard Berry take the helm. But this doesn't mean it is any less of an impressive film - '22 Bullets' is a bloody and brutal revenge tale with all the hallmarks you would expect from this team.

After being gunned down with the titular 22 bullets in an underground parking, former mob boss Charly Mattei, survives and is slowly drawn back into a world that he was sure he had left behind to take down those who shot him, one by one.
Unlike other rampaging tales of revenge (sorry Quentin), this film is raw and very real. The French mafia are depicted as a gruesome mob, and while some of the gory stuff is left off screen and to your imagination, there are a few moments that really make you flinch. It’s certainly not for the light hearted. There is a real sense of dread and anticipation you feel for those he is hunting – because you know what is coming.

If you like other films that Besson has had a hand in, in particular 'Taken,' 'The Professional' and 'The Transporter' series then you will love this movie. There are plenty of signature pursuits, and a pace and style that is familiar.
While you may not know any of the other actors by name, there will be faces that are familiar. It is in French, but even if you’re not a fan of subtitles, you will be able to cope.

Recommended, get it now.

GIRL'S REVIEW
I have to say, '22 Bullets' surprised me. I am not one to watch your traditional action flicks with gang wars, guns and French mobsters... but I loved this flick!

There were two stand outs for me – the first was the intense emotion I felt whist watching this movie the whole way through. A combination of the plot, the actors and the beautiful music used throughout made me really feel like I was in France.

The second stand out was Jean Reno – he has old school charm which makes him somehow sexy, and his husky French accent elated this too. He is always amazing, and this movie is no exception.

The movie is based on Jean's character Charly, who, after retiring from the mob, is attacked and shot 22 times. He recovers, and then seeks out revenge on his assassin.

Jean really brings the character to life with perfection!

I would highly recommend seeing this with your friends or boyfriend.

'22 Bullets' is out now on Blu-Ray and DVD

Watch the trailer for '22 Bullets'