Smoking Guns (2016) Reviews

• A Low-Budget but Suspenseful Crime Melodrama

  zardoz-132017-06-03

  An inexpensive but suspenseful crime melodrama with atmosphere to spare, freshman writer & director Savvas D. Michael's "Smoking Guns" proves you can produce a widescreen film in only a handful of rooms with fewer than ten actors. The cast consists primarily of guys of various ages, and virtually no women except an obese lady who accepts their wagers. The original title "A Punters Prayer" served its purpose in the United Kingdom. 'Punter' is British slang for people who bet on sports events. American audiences would have been lost without something more simple and straightforward like "Smoking Guns." The chief problem is Michael never shows us any smoking guns. We see a desperate man threaten other fellows with a gun, and we see a man seated in a parked car who fires an assault rifle and kills an innocent fellow. At fadeout, we hear the discharge of an automatic pistol, but smoke doesn't curl off the barrel of any gun. An interesting animated brief appears at the beginning that depicts our protagonist Jack at home. Conspicuously displayed behind his chair in this cartoon is a framed Sholom Aleichem quotation: "Life is a dream for the wise, A Game for the Fool; A Comedy for the Rich, and A Tragedy for the Poor." Nobody should be surprised with foreshadowing like this that "Smoking Guns" will prattle on philosophically about the problems of the human condition. As Jack cruises to his destination, he swerves to avoid hitting a cat in the street, crashes his car into an iron fence, and cuts up his nose so that he resembles a boxer after a tough fight. A loquacious tale about hard-luck British gamblers, this expository laden epic spends most of its time in a small betting parlor—Theta Bet Bookmakers, in London--where Jack Cameron (Tommy O'Neill of "Hoods n Halos") is sweating out a long odds wager on the same horse to win three times. The first thing that Jack utters is: "Gambling's got nothing to do with making money. It's about winning and losing." As in the crime movies of both Martin Scorsese and Guy Ritchie, the protagonist provides narration from his perspective throughout the action, and he justifies his "bet of my life" wager. "I'll risk the fall, so I can know how it feels to fly." Later, Jack observes in greater depth, "I have the right to risk my own life if it means the chance of saving it. I'm chasing more than a castrated bet like a two-to-one favorite. I need more than a stay of execution. I have to have the strength to go all the way if I want to cut the shackles of contentment and take the walk to glory and success." Jack describes this bet as one that would change his life and make it worth living. "If this wins," he contends hopefully, "everything I've ever done in my life up until this point has become a stepping stone in the journey of achievement." Jack hangs out with fellow gamblers, Greek native Yian Papas (Andreas Karras of "Into the Blue"); a dim-witted young man, Ian Fairbairn (Jamie Crew of "Rocky Road"), and Paul McVeigh (Dexter Fletcher of "Cockneys vs Zombies"), and later he encounters an former cocaine dealer, Richard Holt (Daniel Caltagirone of "The Beach"), who prompts a fight that leads to gunplay at fadeout. Jack confides in Yian that he wants a gun, and Yiannis puts his friend in touch with an Albanian, Pipi Alban (Shezai Fejzo of "Undercover Hooligan"), who sells firearms. At this point, "Smoking Gun" shifts to another location, a night club called the "Shooting Gallery." The man that Jack spoke to about acquiring a pistol is playing poker. Pipi leaves a poker game while another enthusiastic gambler, Ozan Sakaci (newcomer Dursun Kuran) has been taking a mobster, Bektash Ali (Mem Ferda of "Revolver"), for thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, the bragging Ozan makes the fatal mistake of antagonizing Ali about his losses. Ali becomes so aggravated with Ozan that he circles the table and stabs Ozan to death with a knife while the other players watch without interfering. Strangely enough, apart for the gun dealer in this scene, nothing that happens here or afterward that has any bearing on Jack's story. Later, Yian will approach Ali about something that Ali has stuffed into the trunk of his car. Actually, Ali has stashed the bundled up remains of Sakaci in his car for disposal. Yian inquires ignorantly about the mysterious bundle, and Ali explains that he has bought a rug for his girlfriend. Yian knows that Ali is married and cautions him about this extra-marital relationship. Afterward, Michael has nothing to do with Ali and his fellow poker players. This little scene develops atmosphere galore, and the outcome with regard to how they dispose of Sakaci's winnings is surprising. No, Ali doesn't reclaim his loot. "Smoking Guns" boasts strong dialogue and characters, and doesn't wear out its welcome at 93 trim minutes. Jack warns Ian about Richard Holt who might take advantage of him and exploit his "anal virginity." Principally, the film suffers from its shortcomings. Apart from the poker game scene which could have been omitted, there is a scene involving con artists who sell a laptop computer to poor Ian. He shells out cold, hard currency for the laptop. However, there is no laptop in the case that they hand him, and the swindled guy who walked into their trap is as dim-witted as they come. Sure, the scene is amusing, but it is like a toss-off joke. One of the dramatic high points occurs after Jack has won two bets and is angling for a third. The people who own and operate the betting parlor try to persuade our hero to sell out for thirty grand, and Yian assures the betting lady that he will convince Jack to take her up on her offer. Aside from some flaws, "Smoking Gun" ranks as a tolerable first film.

• Superior British Indie Gem that's funny, edgy and true

  markseparation2016-06-26

  'Gambling's got nothing to do with making money. It's about winning and losing', so begins the London gamblers epic A PUNTERS PRAYER, from first time writer/director Savvas D. Michael and newly formed Liontari Pictures. It spins multiple plates, and is at once violent, funny, heartbreaking and steeped in reality. It's a fizzy, witty debut that bubbles with heart and grit, and is full of the rare confidence that instantly informs the viewer they're watching something special and the product of a singular vision. While raw, the talent on display is undeniable and the storytelling exceeding the competencies of far more experienced film- makers. While it doesn't break any original ground, it proudly wears its influences on its sleeve. It's never less than enthralling entertainment. Set on a Friday afternoon in a heightened reality version of North London, most of the action takes place in the local bookies 'Theta Bet'. Serial gambler Jack, played by the excellent Tommy O'Neill is desperate to break away from 'the wage slave circle of life'. He decides to bet £250 on a horse to win treble which, if all three horses win, would score him and his colourfully roguish friends a fortune. His best two pals, the clueless and scrappy Ian (Jamie Crew), and more measured and fatherly 'spread your bets' type Yiannis (Andreas Karras) advise, help and hinder Jack throughout the day. When it looks like a huge windfall may very well be within Jacks grasp, some unsavoury characters descend on Theta Bet ready to take violent advantage of this rare situation. Along the way in this 'day in the life' scenario we meet the regulars who live and die by the whims of Lady Luck, most notable is Paul (an always welcome Dexter Fletcher) who has a streetwise, debonair charisma and "bet big, win big" mentality. Another standout is Daniel Caltagirone who plays a soft spoken local gangster/drug dealer (and drives much of the third act). Filming took place at Palmers Green in August 2014, unknown to many of the local residents and shopkeepers, so the various locations and details are completely authentic and realistically capture multicultural London as it is. Stylistically, A PUNTERS PRAYER is very eclectic, and this is immediately apparent with a harrowing scene from the denouement opening the film followed by a crudely animated, scene setting intro. Jack reveals much of his life philosophy through his poetic inner monologue narration, and it's his 'Punter's Prayer' the story seeks to answer through its 90 minute running time. In all the best ways A PUNTERS PRAYER feels very much a throwback to the 90's era of laddism, with its street poetry, 'who dares wins' philosophy and total focus on masculinity. It owes a sizeable debt to the Miramax era of cinema mostly, with it's snappy, entertaining dialogue driving most of the action. Early Tarantino, Swingers and Clerks are invoked as are the early efforts of Danny Boyle and the Guy Ritchie of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch fame. Motorhead's 'Ace of spades' and George Thorogood and the Destroyers "Bad to the Bone" are highlights from a rock soundtrack with brushes elbows with many instrumental world music cues. It's collage of many wonderful things but A PUNTERS PRAYER is ultimately a very, very entertaining and easy watch with enjoyable performances from everybody involved. Funny, violent and true, it manages to avoid the pitfalls of many directors first outings, and finds its odd tone immediately. It's packed full of quotable dialogue and memorable scenes and characters and comes highly recommended. Savvas D. Michael is a fresh UK voice and a great storyteller whose next project I'm very much looking forward to. Mark Bartlett

• If Guy Ritchie's talent-less cousin made a student film...

  thethomasboy2017-04-06

  The poster. The synopsis. The high user rating. Even a few familiar faces. All signs pointed towards a clever, fun, dryly-comedic English indie crime film in the vein of Layer Cake, In Bruges and Snatch. Needless to say I was in and looking forward to watching this film. And once the credits rolled, I was compelled to write a review. Compelled isn't the right word... Browbeaten is more accurate. I tried, I truly did, but by the end I was literally angry I had been tricked into finishing this film. The 93 min run-time felt closer to 150, and I was forced several times to pause and double check the 7.9 IMDb rating. Really? Clearly, young "Writer/Director" Savvas D. Michael's household VCR had a broken eject button, and Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels was the sole VHS trapped inside.. There are worse films to shamelessly steal from... I mean pay "homage" to… but you need raw Tarantino-esque talent to make it fresh or even moderately enjoyable. Imagine an accountant who saw a Van Gogh and said, "that's not so hard," proceeding to recreate Starry Night using an algorithm. And that is what Smoking Guns ultimately is: The worn-out "Lock Stock" VHS trapped inside Michael's VCR. Drained of quality and thread bare. The film misses the mark on so many levels that if you have seen ANY other film in this genre, you find yourself reminiscing during this joyless, heavy-handed trudge. For someone who clearly idolized Ritchie, it's surprising how he managed to remove all the elements that made his films fun and original, and Michael just.. tries.. toooo... haaard. Frenetic camera movement and frame-rate manipulation is replaced by static shots and the occasional pan. Attempts at nonlinear narratives feel forced with no payoff. The acting ranges from melodrama to wooden to community theater and no one is enjoying themselves; don't expect any Statham off-beat comedic wit. Instead of enhancing visuals and upping the drama, music is used in pedestrian ways. And most importantly, ANY attempt at humor or tension (essential and defining characteristics of the genre) is so contrived that you can practically see flashing arrows reading "Stressful situation here" or "This is funny." You would be better served revisiting any of the genre films listed above, or if you need a horse racing fix, check out the short-lived but incredible HBO series "Luck." Better still just watch The Sting and pretend they have British accents. Because you're better off with the "idea" of what this movie could be, instead of what it really is.

• Good flick. Very enjoyable watch

  JohnDoe11002017-03-28

  I liked it. Made me laugh! Reminded me of my local bookies. Fun, simple story, good acting. Thoroughly enjoyable. My only negative comment would be the level of abusive language. One comment literally made me spit out my coffee! And the lack of female actors. Women gamble too, just ask my Mrs :) Asides from those points really worth a watch.

• I'm officially a fan of "A Punters Prayer"

  haileyliv2016-07-01

  After four long days at the Beverly Hills Film Festival and watching dozens of films, I joined a large audience and sat down alone in the theater to watch "A Punters Prayer" with no idea what to expect. When the film ended and the credits were rolled the whole audience was cheering wildly and the room was buzzing with excitement. I was alone but could not stop hooting and hollers like I was at a sporting event. This audiences reaction was unlike any other film in the festival and with good reason. It was undeniable to myself and the entire room that we had all just seen a great movie. I then proceeded to the lobby for a drink and could not stop raving to everyone about how wonderful this film was and that I thought it would win for sure. Happy to say I was right! As a huge fan of British crime films I would rate "A Punters Prayer" on the same level as the classics like Lock Stock or Boondock Saints. I truly feel that this film will someday be considered one of Savvas D. Michael's classics like Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction". This was a wild story with so many dynamic characters and fantastic performances from all the actors, especially the three leading men. The writing, directing, and editing was also extremely well done, creating a unique hyper stylized world. Overall this was a hilarious, intense, violent, and entertaining experience and I cannot wait to see what Savvas D. Michael does next!