Dead Man's Cards

Stars: James McMartin, Samantha Janus, Paul Barber, Tom Bell, Mark Russell, Lisa Parry

Director: James Marquand

Boxer Tom (McMartin) - he coulda been a contender - his career ended by a detached retina, takes time off from rows with his out-of-here wife (Janus) to get a job as a doorman/bouncer at a rundown pubclub which looks scarcely in need of one, were it not the venue for half of Liverpool's underworld.

Local druglord Chongi (Russell, giving the film's worst performance) wants to offer the owner, Cowboy Billy (Bell, sadly OTT in his last film role) protection, but head bouncer Paul (Barber) resists, while Tom vacillates between the two sides.

Tough if rather aimless action follows, with Tom seduced by the barmaid (Parry), before deciding to take the side of the good guys. The doomy atmosphere is well maintained and the film, though not particularly good, is not bad either - although it gets mightily confusing towards the end.

David Quinlan

UK 2005. UK Distributor: Showbox. Colour.
92 minutes. Not widescreen. UK certificate: 18.

Guidance ratings (out of 3): Sex/nudity 1, Violence/Horror 1, Drugs 2, Swearing 2.

Review date: 11 Dec 2006