The Informer

There's a scene in The Informer where our hero comes up with a life changing plan in moments. The type of life changing plan that entire films (and an entire tv series tbh) have been based around but here it happens in the blink of an eye. If you can get past the stupidity of the moment you'll enjoy The Informer. If not then maybe this isn't for you.

Pete Koslow (Joel Kinnaman) is a former soldier who made a massive mistake and spent time in prison for it. Now he's an FBI informant in New York City trying to build a case with his handlers (Rosamund Pike & Clive Owen) against the Polish mafia. While undercover a death occurs and so as not to blow his criminal persona he allows himself to be manipulated by both sides of the law. Of course everything goes pear-shaped and Pete and his family find themselves literally fighting for their lives.

The Informer is a very silly film. But happily it's also crunchy and profane fun. The type of 80's & 90's throwback that rarely hits the big screen anymore. It's main cast consists of actors who aren't famous enough to be guaranteed a free ride to the closing credits and this adds a degree of tension to proceedings that wouldn't exist had the cast been A-list. It's always good to watch something and never be quite sure what's going to happen. In this age of safe, bloodless multiplex fodder it's a nice feeling to be left on edge. The Informer's prison scenes will definitely have you gnawing your knuckles with it's depiction of the slammer as a terrifyingly claustrophobic, violence filled hell hole.

It's a 2hr film but there's an awful lot going on here. So much so that a little bit of streamlining would have been very welcome. Two characters with loads of potential, one on either side of the law, turn up and then vanish and maybe the movie might have moved along better without them. Ireland's Ruth Bradley is one and while it's a treat to hear her rocking a pretty convincing Noo Yawk twang it's annoying when she just disappears. Other cast members fair better. Joel Kinnaman is convincingly gruff and physical as the ex-con seeking redemption and Common's driven NYC cop Grens is the type of character who could easily carry a film on his own. He's an actor who always adds an interesting energy to a role.

The Informer is a grand way to pass two hours. You'll must likely have it forgotten a few days after you watch it but you'll enjoy yourself while it's on. BTW, if you have a problem with ears you should avoid this. Like the plague. YEEESH.