This crime thriller is only original in that it is Australian rather than American (or British) and presents a much darker side of the nation than we usually see in the movies. Written and directed by Julius Avery as his first full-length feature, this is an accomplished work centred on the relationship between hardened criminal Brendan Lynch (Scottish Ewan McGregor as the 'Gun') and minor felon 19 year old JR (Australian newcomer Brenton Thwaites as the 'Son'). It seems very unlikely that these two would be incarcerated in the same high security prison but I guess that, if they hadn't been, we'd have had no plot. I confess that I rented the film to see Swedish actress Alicia Vikander but she has a fairly small role as a gangster's moll from Eastern Europe. Even if unoriginal and sporting too many references to monkeys, there is plenty of violence, action and double-crossing in this entertaining rampage with a hot soundtrack.

Nothing original to this movie overall, but it turned out to be entertaining enough. Australia is doing what the British did about 5 (or so) years ago, entered the American film industry with good solid films.Ewan McGregor (scottish) as Lynch was on point. Brenton Thwaites (Australian) as JR did very well with this character. He is so young and innocent looking in other movies but this one he pulls off a criminal, surprisingly well actually. Also, Alicia Vikander (Sweddish) does okay with her role as well. I remembered watching her recently in "A Royal Affair".

The cast is excellent. Ewan Mcgregor delivers a stunning performance. The script is written well. Overall the story is *somewhat* plausible, which is uncommon for an action movie. There are moments of cliché, and moments of brilliance. It won't do anything to bend your mind but the acting, writing, directing, and editing were almost custom tailored to my tastes in a movie. Would have been a 10/10 if the film were just a touch more cerebral. Could use a little bit more character development and at times you must suspend reality to stay engaged in the plot. On the other hand the writer/director definitely did their homework on some of the logistics of pulling off some of these stunts. The film doesn't rely on special effects or explosions to keep you entertained. The violence and the way the characters respond to it seem very realistic. Definitely worth a watch though!

Didn't expect too much from this film. The plot is decent. It is about a guy who is helped in prison by a notorious guy. That guy later comes out and they team up for a gold heist. Also the lead guy falls in love with a gangster's girl. So all these plots unwind in this decent thriller. Though in some places the movie thinks to attempt too much and falls flat, there are some instances which are away from the commercial movie. Ewan Mcgregor has done a fantastic job as the criminal. Also thumbs up for Alicia Vikander. Brenton Thwaites could have done a better job. Overall not a bad movie to watch. A decent heist thriller which tries too much in some places.