Starred Up Reviews

Since I kept hearing some really good things about this flick, I was really eager to check it out. Well, I wasn't disappointed, that's for sure. Sure, it was maybe not really groundbreaking but it was still one of the best movies I have seen in this genre for quite some time. I was wondering how Jack O'Connell managed to get his break in Hollywood but, after watching this movie, I understand why. Indeed, he gave here a really powerful performance channeling some kind of younger version of Bronson. Concerning Ben Mendelsohn, sure, like everyone else, I think he is a fine actor and he was pretty good here but the guy keeps playing such similar characters and I would like to see him doing something completely different for once. Anyway, the interesting thing about this movie was that it displayed how completely flawed the prison system actually is. Indeed, by putting all these violent men together to only make sure that they can't harm anyone outside, they only make sure that they will probably kill each other and, if they ever get out, they will probably be ten times worse than before they went to jail. To be honest, I have to admit that I did struggle with the 3rd act. Indeed, pretty much out of nowhere, the movie made a complete U-turn regarding the relationship between the Nevilles and it focused on their new found affection until the very end. Until then, the whole thing was pretty random but it made sense considering the wild behavior of the main character. I guess the makers wanted to reach some kind of closure at the end but I'm not sure if it was such a good idea. Anyway, to conclude, it was still a really strong prison drama and it is definitely worth a look, especially if you like the  genre.

The latest British prison movie, which was partially based on the true story. The whole movie was shot inside a prison evolving into depicting the prison life. When a young, but a violent crime offender, Eric been transformed into an adult penitentiary, he meets his compeer. His strength will be tested against his counterparts who are two times older than him. The young fellow all prepared to face the most dangerous criminals from the country. Thus his restless days begin to fight for survival. He signs for therapy meet which is forced by his father who is also an inmate. Like all the father, the story describes his role as a protector. Definitely not a melodrama, but deliberately aggressive and he can do anything to defend his son.

Starred up means you are leader.

Impressive tricks by the felons who hide their weapons and other stuffs which can be useful for their defense. There is no exact story, scene by scene, it just replicates the real prison's daily activities and experiences that one can go through. It is not a greatest prison story ever told, but the contents were so powerful, like, as I said it was kind of inspired by a real person's. Jack O'Connell was unbelievably good in his role. He's having a wonderful time right now and I am eager for his next venture 'Unbroken'. The other characters were not that exposed as he was, but given equal good performances. I have not seen any prison related movie recently and this movie surprisingly met above my expectation.

7.5/10

I just recently saw the trailer for this and so I am glad I got the chance to check it out. It looks to be a great move for Jack O'Connell in his first lead role. The acting is perfect. The scenes are powerful and intense. I enjoy a good prison movie and this one is definitely on the top for me. I liked how it was a little different than your typical prison movie, but still carried a few of the common prison movie cliches. The ending was really well done and touching. I would highly recommend checking this out if you are looking to find a great fresh prison movie.