Twenty8K (2012)

Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

To be honest, reading the existing reviews for this film on IMDb had me preparing for a cheap-as-chips stinker of 'Get Keith' proportions. That I was tempted to give it a chance is down to an admiration for scriptwriter Paul Abbot's past work, the presence of the lovely Parminder Nagra in the cast...and the fact that it was a Poundland purchase.It's not a great film. It has an interesting premise, but never seems to realise its potential: one is left with the impression (possibly mistaken) of a project that has been conceived as a mini- series, but truncated uncomfortably into feature form. With a little more character development, and less pedestrian direction, it could have been a far more interesting and effective conspiracy thriller. It is let down by transparent, snarling villains - who render the unfolding conspiracy to the narrative back-burner: WHY they are twirling their pantomime-villain moustaches is incidental. Ms Nagra tries very hard to hold things together, but how a Paris fashion designer is so adept at covert observation worthy of the best screen PIs is never touched upon, let alone developed. Visually it is unremarkable, and for a film whose plot concerns unscrupulous redevelopment of East End properties in the run up to the 2012 Olympics, that distinctive part of London is represented in only one scene: the cinematographer choosing, instead to feature the same tired skylines and landmarks of the prosperous city centre. The music is obtrusive and distracting and, in many cases, completely unnecessary - at times pointlessly imitating Nicholas Hooper's score for Abbot's 2003 'State of Play' TV drama.That said, the cast is generally good - making the best they can with an under-developed script - and THAT is all that stops this sinking completely.

If you liked 'Bend it Like Beckham', or any episode of Scooby Doo, you are associated with the film , or you are a moron, you will like this Movie.For the rest of us it is utter drivel. Laughingly billed as a Thriller, it is sadly typical of parochial, twee, out-of-touch British-film making at its worst. From the ridiculously premised and clichéd Plot ie Young Asian Fashion executive turns Detective to clear her brother of murder( Think Get Carter meets 'The Kumars'... and there is no great 'twist-ending' as previously stated in a 'friendly' review), to the patronising 'gritty, street' overlay that is about as gritty and street as an episode of Eastenders. The casting is dreadful, full of hammy British B-List ensemble, cartoon-character Asians with Conti rent-a-yob types as the baddies. The script is cliché-ridden and woefully out of touch. The locations and settings are every media-types view of how London 'really is'. This is nothing like the real London. I know, I was born here and still live hereThe Cinematography is average at best and again cliché-ridden ( cue regular backdrops of the Dome, Canary Wharf etc....But the worst aspect of this whole sorry mess is that films like this are still being made and are an insult to the British Film Industry. Thank God for ' Welcome to the Punch' !

after reading 2 glowing reviews on this site i sat down to watch this film with high expectation, and after wasting 90 minutes of my life i have come to the conclusion that both reviewers are either working for the company that made this dross, or were high on drugs!!its poorly acted, it's totally ridiculous, it's all over the place and the shock ending is a non event. it's that bad that when the film changes from place to place we have the location put up on screen every time as if we haven't got the brains to remember it the first time around.i beg you all don't waste your time with this rubbish film.

Twenty8k is a compelling and gritty thriller showcasing the best of British talent in terms of cast, crew & storytelling. The intricate plot keeps you guessing all the way through, as there are so many twists and turns along the way. The characters are all believable and found it a real joy to follow the lead character 'Deeva' played by the amazing Parminder Nagra (ER, Alcatraz), in her investigation to find the truth & clear her brother's name.It really is a terrific ensemble cast, each giving fantastic performances: an excellent Jonas Armstrong (Hit & Miss, The Street) plays youth worker 'Clint O'Connor', Michael Socha (Being Human) plays 'Tony', Nichola Burley (Streetdance, Jump) plays 'Andrea', a fabulous Kierston Wareing (Luther,The Shadow Line) plays 'Francesca' and Stephen Dillane (Game of Thrones, Hunted) excels as 'DCI Stone.Twenty8k is beautifully shot by directors David Kew & Neil Thompson, creating lots of atmosphere, the helicopter shots of London in particular are simply breathtaking! Lots of comparisons have been made with 'State of Play' because of Paul Abbott 's involvement with the screenplay. And I tend to agree: if you liked 'State of Play' you'll love Twenty8k!Some critics were rather harsh with their reviews, just because the time of release clashed with the euphoria of the 2012 London Olympics, and so it 'didn't fit the mood'... Honestly some have a very short memory, as Twenty8k was shot just a couple of months before the Summer Riots in London back in August 2011. So the subject matter couldn't have been more contemporary really! Twenty8k is a smart thriller, giving the audience just enough back-story to fill some of the blanks, while still leaving more than enough room for guesswork on how all the puzzle pieces finally fit. Highly entertaining and a very enjoyable watch, don't miss out on this one.You won't be disappointed!