Neil Welch
Foley is released from prison after serving 25 years for murdering (under duress) his best friend. He is determined to go straight, but his friend's son Ethan is equally determined to drag him into taking part in a con on a big-time criminal. Then his path is crossed by Iris, a young prostitute and junkie, and suddenly the future might be different.I buy DVDs from Poundland every now and then. I am always optimistic about films I have never heard of, and I am almost always disappointed. This film is a rare exception. Moderately high profile (Samuel L Jackson is Foley, Tom Wilkinson is the mark, up and coming Ruth Negga is Iris), it is nonetheless a film which had passed under my (very active) radar without trace.The action is infrequent and, when it comes, very violent, but this is not a film about action. It is about characters, the relationships between them, and the holds they have on each other. The story is strong, there are unexpected plot developments, the acting is good, and the direction is very good.I expected to be disappointed: I was delighted.
Johan Dondokambey
This movie tries to remake the movie that serves you one of the all time greatest and most shocking plot twists ever, Oldboy (2003), although I personally like the 2013 US remake as the better version of it. Yet it went way than a bit too far. The movie has so many characters, leaving most of them severely under developed. Seeing how the title sounded, I was surprised how the main twist, presented quite prematurely, was then developed into a literally turn down of a climactic ending. This movie tries to show you some kind of alternate ending to the original movie, yet it fails, and quite miserably I'd say. Having Samuel L. Jackson is a great job as his acting kept the vibe of the movie enduring throughout the entire movie. Luke Kirby lacks so much in portraying the sleazy antagonist.
Roger Burke
This story is a pleasant surprise: not only because it doesn't deserve the low score at IMDb, and not only because Samuel Jackson provides an excellent characterization of an ex-grifter and ex-con who is forced into another caper. It's also refreshing, paradoxically, because the story echoes aspects of that classic Korean flick, Old Boy (2003).If you haven't seen Old Boy, however, then you can still see this as a credible piece of entertainment. In a nutshell, Foley (Jackson) is persuaded by Ethan (Luke Kirby) to conduct another grift – upon a thoroughly unpleasant Xavier (Tom Wilkinson), a high-powered business mogul, crook and murderer who is always looking for ways to turn a few million bucks. Foley is unwilling, but Ethan prevails – because he has an advantage Foley can't ignore. Ethan brings in two women – a working girl, Iris (Ruth Negga) and Helena (Deborah Unger) – to assist with the grift. On the night of the caper, though, it all begins to unravel when Helena can't make it...even when eight million is up for grabs.Jackson is excellent as the tired, old ex-con who just wants to be left alone; Kirby is perfect as the wanna-be con artist who needs help from an old grifter; Negga does a good job as a possible love interest; Wilkinson overacts somewhat as the heartless bad guy; Unger, though, acts as though she's in a trance, the only sour note. Watch, especially, for Foley's parole officer, Deacon (Tom McCamus), in a small but effective part – with a decided twist.The plot moves quickly for the most part. And, it has sufficient surprises and twists to keep any viewer's interest. Be aware, though, this is not to the standard of, say, The Sting (1973) or that other classic, The Spanish Prisoner (1997). That said, Samaritan deserves more than five.I give it six out of ten. Recommended for all adults.November 9, 2013
frequenzy
if you have watched the Korean film old-boy then you would realize that this film offers nothing new. plot is exactly the same except the film is a bit on the dramatic side. its not that violent compared to the Korean film.as far acting is concerned, it should be OK. Samuel Jackson in his normal comfort zone, no surprises there. i just wish they have developed the character more or give a little background story. as for the daughter, i haven't seen her on other movies but she can act. she was solid all through out the entire movie. if you plan to watch this film then make sure you haven't watched old-boy or you'll really be disappointed!PS. they will be doing a remake of the Korean movie and it will also starred by Samuel Jackson
AD
