Shank

Director Pearce obviously threw himself into this work with all the enthusiasm that a 21-year old can muster. The screenplay is hard-edged and tough, and the entire cast respond well to the director's instructions.

Wayne Virgo and Tom Bolt are particularly impressive; indeed, the entire cast works hard to bring this British indie off. For the most part they succeed in their individual contributions. In fact, it's almost impossible to distinguish the actor's own personalities from the characters they're playing.

Unfortnately, the film looses ground in the final "rumble" scene, which is carried on much too long. Whatever potential it originally had is lost in its prolonged enactment. Post-production editing was required here, and the heart of the drama was drained through over extension. In fact, the entire ending third of the film falters.

The cast cannot be faulted, though. All performances are believable and powerful. The same cannot entirely be said for the youthful director or writers. All in all, a fairly good film that doesn't pull its punches.