The Debt (2003) Warren Clarke, Hugo Speer, Lee Williams, Orla Brady, Martin Freeman, Nina Sosanya, Malcolm Storry Movie Review

The Debt (2003)   3/53/53/53/53/5


Warren Clarke in The Debt (2003)

The Double Cross

Safe cracker Geoff Dresner (Warren Clarke) has kept his nose clean ever since his last stint inside but with his hapless son in law Terry (Martin Freeman) in trouble with a loan shark he may have no option but to return to his old ways to help his son-in-law out of a bind. Trouble is things don't go to plan and Geoff finds himself being questioned not only about a robbery but also the death of a security guard in a fire. After the police come calling Geoff finds himself with young lawyer James Hilden (Lee Williams) who has got money troubles of his own as his wife is pregnant and he has just got a job working for an ex who he hasn't told he is married and who he has been sleeping with in the office. They are not the only ones with problems as DS Edward 'Ed' Foster (Hugo Speers) as he has been expecting a promotion but is passed over and so has been working as a late night cabbie on the hush hush to cover his bills.

So "The Debt" is one of those movies which tries to be snappy with interweaving storylines which have a comical side, a bit Guy Ritchie like but less edgy and more family friendly with the focus more on the comedy of the characters, mistakes and connections. The thing is that whilst "The Debt" trots along at a nice speed with plenty of humour and revelations delivered with some humour it feels like some thing is missing and I think it is that edge, the less friendly side which similar movies have.

The one thing which "The Debt" has is a decent cast lead by Warren Clarke and featuring Hugo Speer and Martin Freeman. It is because the likeability of the cast, especially Warren Clarke that you keep on watching even when the storyline isn't strong enough to keep you entertained. But trust me when I say that this movie, the humour, the story and the acting is quickly forgotten and only comes back when you stumble across it again many years after watching it before.

What this all boils down to is that "The Debt" is a pleasant bit of fun but not overly memorable and simply the sort of movie which whilst fun whilst you watch it you will forget about until you stumble across it again.


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