Review of Triple 9 (2016) by Alex H — 20 Feb 2016

Triple 9 is a heart pounding visceral heist thriller the likes that don't come around as often as they should! Taking inspiration from films like The Departed, HEAT and contemporary TV shows like True Detective and The Wire (and even Game of Thrones to some extent) Lawless director John Hillcoat keeps the blood pumping in this well crafted, edge of your seat, thrill ride from the opening bank sequence.

The star studded ensemble cast of colourful characters including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Aaron Paul and Casey Affleck have great chemistry together as a unit while individually they all have their moments to shine and develop their own story (Are you listening Spotlight??).

I'd like to give a personal shout out to good guy druggy cop Woody Harrelson who steals every scene he is in and also Michael K. Williams for a devilishly well spirited cameo. Intense set pieces coupled with Atticus Ross' score make for a great combo the only thing I can say is that the film does have all the typical genre conventions of a heist movie and doesn't particularly do anything all that groundbreaking with them.

Having said that though they are executed with passion, vigour and personality. A real surprise and delight from start to finish -- if you are the least bit interested in the film and enjoy well made action films -- please I urge you to go see Triple 9.

Show studios that WE the audience WANT 15/18 rated, clever, blockbuster action movies that don't require superheroes!