Review of 44 Inch Chest (2009) by Dean L — 08 Mar 2010

Go into this movie expecting a retread of the classic 'Sexy Beast' and you'll be disappointed but there's enough here to warrant a look. An excellent cast absolutely relish the saltiest dialogue heard on-screen since, well, 'Sexy Beast'.

Colin Diamond (Winstone) plans a night of bloodthirsty revenge on the French waiter his wife (Whalley) has left him for. His 'friends', including a sinister Stephen Dillane as Mal & John Hurt as Old Man Peanut (imagine Albert Steptoe on PCP) goad him on as Colin wrestles with his conscience.

Ian McShane manges to steal more than one scene with a raised eyebrow, in what is essentially a fruitier rendition of his Teddy Bass character from the aforementioned 'Sexy Beast'. Apparently the movie started life as a possible stage play - and it shows.

Apart from occasional flashbacks the movie takes place in one room and it is this stagey-ness that holds the film back from really spreading it's wings. That said, it is the theatricality of the piece that is also at times it's saving grace, allowing the first-rate cast the chance to savour a mouth-watering script - Hurt in particular delivering a hilarious take on the Samson & Delilah legend.

Steven Berkoff also appears, albeit very briefly, and gives a typically low-key, understated performance. Wait for the DVD...