Fury

Stars: Samuel L Jackson, Ruth Negga, Luke Kirby, Tom Wilkinson, Deborah Kara Unger, Gil Bellows, A C Peterson, Martha Burns

Director: David Weaver

Not to be confused with Nick Fury, Jackson's upcoming Marvel starrer, this is an inconsequential minor thriller from Canada, with a nonsensical shootout climax. Jackson stars as Foley, a veteran 'grifter' (con artist) fresh out of prison after getting 25 years for being forced to murder his partner to save his own skin.

Resolved to go straight, he's soon approached by Ethan (Kirby), the son of his old partner who, while not forgiving Foley, has a new scam in mind, for which he needs the old lag's expertise. Introduced to Iris (Negga) by Ethan, Foley shacks up with her - the age disparity makes this more than a touch improbable - and finds contentment, only for Ethan to reveal that she's Foley's daughter, giving the younger man a hold that will compel Foley to take part in the new grift - with the 'mark' being underworld boss Xavier (Wilkinson, in overwrought mode).

'Everything I touch turns to shit,' groans Foley, just one of the many well-worn lines in Elan Mastai and David Weaver's script, while Weaver's direction allows the actors to take things far too slowly. Not that their characters are especially interesting in the first place. And not even the experienced Jackson can really spark Foley to life.

David Quinlan

Canada 2011. UK Distributor: Revolver. Colour by deluxe.
88 minutes. Not widescreen. UK certificate: 15.

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

Review date: 11 Apr 2012