Today’s quick review: Revolver. Jake Green (Jason Statham), a con man who spent seven years in prison, sets his sights on Macha (Ray Liotta), the man who put him there. But when Macha decides that Green is too troublesome to let live, only Avi (Andre Benjamin) and Zach (Vincent Pastore), an unusual pair of loan sharks, can keep him safe long enough to get his revenge.
Revolver is a stylized crime drama with a psychological twist. Written and directed by Guy Ritchie, Revolver deviates from his usual sprawling plots and quirky humor. Instead, Revolver contains a serious tale of revenge and deception, sharply written and wrapped up in experimental storytelling techniques. The cryptic plot delves into Jake Green’s deepest obsessions and fears as Avi and Zach offer him one more shot at payback.
Unfortunately, Revolver does not live up to its considerable vision. The plot verges on the incomprehensible. Abstract and literal conflicts blend together with little rhyme or reason, and the stylized presentation layers on further confusion at key moments. The movie’s enticing musings on games and cons do not lead to any concrete payoff. The world is decidedly shallower than Guy Ritchie’s typical vibrant underworlds.
Revolver does have its perks. The core premise of the movie, revealed near the end, has substantial intellectual appeal, however strange its execution. For all that Jake Green is a somewhat neutral, passive protagonist, Jason Statham’s well-written and well-delivered narration holds the movie together. The film also shows glimmers of Guy Ritchie’s characteristic style, little touches of character and presentation that redeem its odd plot.
Watch Revolver only if you are in the mood for an experimental film with mixed payoff. Revolver is an inventive, high-concept crime drama that does not quite pull its promising pieces together. Fans looking for another Guy Ritchie comedy should look elsewhere, as should anyone looking for a straightforward crime drama.
6.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for good ideas with confusing execution.