Review of 4.3.2.1 (2010) by James S — 03 Oct 2011

Evoking memories of the pop video production of Trainspotting, Noel Clarke's 4, 3, 2, 1 is another excellent British movie from the man who is increasingly becoming one of the UK's biggest cinematic assets.

This is fast, furious, disjointed but in a good way, a whirlwind of a movie which boasts some great female characters and performances. The film follows 4 friends over two days, their stories told individually as they become unwittingly involved in a diamond heist. Each of the 4 female leads gets their moment to shine in the movie and they all do admirably.

A great supporting cast, including a criminally underused Michelle Ryan and Clarke himself, plus a host of British TV stars, boost the movie without completely overshadowing the mains, even if Ryan's character is the most interesting in the film.

For all it's quick editing and flashy visuals, 4, 3, 2, 1 also has a heart to it when the 4 girls come together which just manages to stay on the right side of Hollyoaks style melodrama, though the cutesy finale seems a little out of place....or does it?: the cliffhanger is one of mouth watering expectancy.

4, 3, 2, 1 marks itself out as a mix of booze, sex, criminals mixed with heart and soul from 4 great young actresses, all overseen by a great film maker. Loud, lewd, and incredibly good.