Harry Brown has a couple of effective crime scenes but in the end turns out to be a boring and at times typical vigilante film. Michael Caine plays the lead, a man who recently experiences the death of his wife and a few days later his best friend Leonard (David Bradley) is brutally murdered in the already troubled town the two live in. Now, Harry Brown goes back to his violent ways such as his time in the Marines to get payback. The story is all too familiar and all the twists and turns can be seen coming and only a couple seem fresh or performed well enough. Caine is decent at best and tiring throughout. The film's only good performance actually comes from Emily Mortimer as Decective Alice Frampton though she is not given enough time on screen to fully appreciate her character. The bad guys are a bit off key as well and their performances seem desperate. There is a sense of terror in worry in this film and the film achieves in that aspect and Caine you can at least watch and get through the film. Though also the way Brown turns vigilante doesn't quite fit with his character. The film is a good bit of mess in the end though. *1/2

A-


Without any doubt, Harry Brown is the British version of Gran Torino with Michael Caine standing in for Mr. Eastwood. But you know what? I actually enjoyed this one more.

The main plot is similar enough to draw the comparisons, but Harry Brown omits Gran Torino's humor for gritty realism. Another thing the two films have in common are aged legends in absolutely badass form. Michael Caine is fully deserving of awards consideration here (which he won't get). He's THE MAN. The bad guys here are pretty much stock characters, but that's fine. The film's primary (and only) focus is Caine who displays a terrific emotional range here and can convince in the action moments as well as in more intimate/weaker moments of his character.

What I did have some issues with was the ending which was...well...too easy, I suppose? Or the bad guys were just way too stupid since they really had the situation under control only to be owned by Caine anyway. But whatever, that aside it is a terrificly entertaining film with a great lead that carries the whole flick on his shoulders with some ease.

It is the British Gran Torino, except it's actually quite good and Caine is even better. Plus his vengeance is much more satisfying.

Good, but could have been a lot better. Harry Brown needs more Harry Brown. Because the only reason to watch this is Michael Caine, now well into his 70s, playing another Carter-esque badass, this time the titular former Marine and pensioner who decides to clean up his drug-and-violence-ridden estate after a dear friend (David Bradley) is beaten and stabbed to death by young thugs.

The movie devotes far too much time to an uninteresting police-investigation subplot, and the "moral" moments ring false and are overly conspicuous in what is ultimately a retro revenge fantasy (MICHAEL CAINE IS KICKING ASS AND TAKING NAMES...but, of course, we must stop and ponder the cyclical nature of violence. Emily Mortimer-Policewoman-Character, would you happen to have any banal insights to share?), but when it gets down to basics--intense, violent scenes pitting an ice-cold Caine against the chav savages (chavages, ha ha)--it is compelling and satisfying. It all ends in a very pleasant, rather unconvincing, bow-securely-tied, here's-your-cookie-have-a-safe-trip-home way, which further sets it apart from the dark, tough, unforgettable Get Carter.

B-