Free Fire stars Cillian Murphy, Armie Hammer, Sharlto Copley, and Bree Larson in a story when a black market gun sale goes wrong, it leads to a furious exchange between two men, thus erupting into a plethora of gunfire.
I always love a good story. My favorite movies always have a good storyline. Even with films like The Fate of the Furious, which tend to lack story, I can appreciate them in their own genre of mindless entertainment. But Free Fire does nothing for me. The details that I previously stated about the plot, that’s it. That’s all that happens. As the characters go throughout the movie writhing around on the floor, this film, too, has no legs to stand on.
The film starts off as these men are looking to buy guns off the black market. The shady deal goes down as Vernon (Copley) brings said guns to Chris (Murphy). But as a heated discussion begins between two of the men, and the fighting becomes more and more out of control, everyone becomes involved in the chaotic fire fight.
I will say that Free Fire has some redeeming qualities, as the dialogue is filled with “smart ass” remarks and crude humor. Stevo (Sam Riley) is quite funny with his rude and eccentric personality. Even Hammer had some amusing moments as he hobbles his way throughout the majority of the film. But the quips in this movie, although funny, made it hard to fully grasp what this film was going for. Free Fire’s overall premise begins lose steam about 30 minutes in. The constant shooting and killing becomes less and less entertaining. Not to mention, the way the film is shot and edited is incredibly distracting. I thought I was watching a Michael Bay film, with the way the action is shot at such a close range, and you begin to feel disoriented with what is happening on screen. Also, with such a talented cast such as these fine actors, I expected more. Both Murphy and Larson didn’t live up to their normal standard of high caliber acting. I felt that the actors didn’t gel with each other, or with the characters they were playing. It honestly feels like they are acting.
I don’t know what to think of this film. I don’t know if I should laugh or cringe at what’s happening on screen. Maybe I was expecting too much, or maybe I was expecting a totally different type of film. Nonetheless, Free Fire is a complete let down and there’s no excuse for why so much goes wrong. For those who were looking forward to a fun action film, I recommend saving your money and watching this film when it’s released on blu-ray.
Free Fire
Directed by: Ben Wheatley
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Sam Riley, Armie Hammer, Sharlto Copley, and Bree Larson
Rating:
Little Movie Reviews 