SnoopyStyle
Assassin Milo (Damian Lewis) is having second thoughts about his latest target when rival Bjorn (Nikolaj Coaster-Waldau) takes the shot. Their organization assigns his termination to Bjorn. Milo escapes into the Welsh countryside to property owned by his mentor Leo (Michael Gambon). He's burying his gun case when he is hit by an exploding sheep head. After cared for by Rhiannon (Kate Ashfield), he is mistaken for a baker taking on the alias Milo Shakespeare. Eggs is a local youth who blew up the sheep and stolen his guns. Soon, rumors of Milo as a hired assassin spread and some people actually have jobs for him.The town folks are dark and wacky but not necessarily funny. They are not that appealing. This is a dark comedy which needs more comedy. Damian Lewis has great dead-pan mannerisms. He's able to inject some quirkiness but he needs a comedic partner. This has potential for something outrageously funny but it never really gets there.
majormadmax
I finally got to see this movie after trying to track it down for years. My problem was I searched on the film's UK name ("The Baker") and only just learned it was renamed for its US release. A quick search found that Amazon had it for rent, so I downloaded it for a plane ride home.OK, maybe I had higher expectations after waiting all that time but I can only say this was a good movie and not a great one. It has several "issues" that I won't elaborate on as I still think it's worth watching.The characters are interesting and the plot moves along, plus it had a lot of moments that made me smile but I will admit I never really laughed outright. It's that kind of film, enjoyable especially for Damian Lewis fans (I've always liked him since "Band of Brothers"). Kate Ashfiel does a good job, it took a little while to recognize her as Liz from "Shaun of the Dead" (she looks better with her short brunette hair) and Steve Speirs is great as Bryn. Several others put in outstanding performances that make it worth watching.So, while not a "10," it's definitely a strong "8" and worth the time if you like movies of this genre.
OJT
This comedy is as dark as they come, these black comedy's. This is a film made for pure entertainment, and there's no deeper meaning to be found. If you want some British dark humor, with bad taste and disgusting scenes, you got it here!A retiring hit-man starts following his childhood dream, and starts off a new career as a local baker, trying to get away from his dangerous boss. But his strong reputation isn't going away just like that, and he's asked to bake a couple of murders. And his boss is no fool, and still dangerous.I can't help remembering a couple if other food related films, when it comes to watching this. Delicatessen, Le Grande Buffet, Chocolat, Fried Green Tomatoes and even the cookery in The Perfume.As almost always with British films, this is spot on when it comes to the acting, and I love that the film is kept in vibrant colors with camera filters, which gives the film a warm look, though it's quite cold when it comes to emotions. Maybe the music is a bit too much on the crazy side. At least I would have chosen differently.Still this is an entertaining flick in the Hit-man black comedy genre. If you liked this, check out these from the same sub genre of black comedies: In Bruges, One night at McCools, Burn after reading, Red (and Red 2). See my list of great black comedy for more.
dlfan123
I am often a bit leery of the term "black comedy" because it is sometimes used to describe films that I find strange and unfunny but that is not the case with Gareth Lewis's wonderful new movie The Baker. This clever film made me smile, laugh, guffaw, and just plain feel good! It also made me wonder about the kind of mind that could conceive such an unusual story. It is about a reformed paid assassin hiding out as a village baker and searching for love and a "normal life" in a town where the villagers are far from normal! The story is different and funny but never tasteless or absurd. The entire cast are wonderful especially The Baker played by Damian Lewis who sets just the right note as he convincingly portrays a paid killer, an inept baker, and a sweet, nervous, nice guy who thinks everyone deserves a second chance. I highly recommend The Baker and look forward to future films from Gareth Lewis, an inventive and entertaining writer/director with a wicked sense of humor!
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