An aging Vinnie Jones stars as a former convict and IRA-type terrorist keeping a low profile after getting out of prison. His past catches up with him in the form of Patrick Bergen, an old terrorist crony who has also gotten out of prison and is looking for some action when he should be retired and gone fishing. The two stumble across a low-level drug lord, nicely played by Eriq LaSalle, and the three make some half-baked plans that eventually come to naught, thanks to the two-timing and still deadly Bergen. While there are some action scenes, mainly having to do with Belfast in the 1970s, the movie is largely a talker and character study of people either trying to do the right thing -- or maybe not. A great surprise ending. For adults only.
40 Reviews
one of the worst
me-126110 September 2006
What can I say? I watched this movie because of the IMDb ratings, and I just can't believe that they are real. It looks like the online marketers got to this one, because the movie is awful. Don't believe the other reviews. The plot has holes in it, the characters aren't believable and basically it's one big embarrassment for the UK film industry. If only the ratings would have reflected this obviously bad movie, I would have avoided it. Leave this one on the shelf, or at least don't expect a movie worth a rating of (as of my writing) a seven and a half. I love how the other reviews are so professional sounding, with such interesting insights into the movie. Let me quote a couple:
jagon1 (only ever reviewed 1 movie): 'I'd like to compare this film to Crash, as it successfully integrates people of different races forced to coexist with one another.' - this movie is a comedy and crash is a drama.. The Jamaicans and Brits in London get on quite well together. Marketing hype.
rustyandamber from Dublin (the movie is about Irish terrorists, interesting coincidence.. yes again only one comment): "Music was a big thing - I like rap and rock but reggae is totally different. Lennox's mixes were great." - I like rap and rock but reggae is totally different? what? This isn't real.
parkertilley from saint vincent (who also only ever reviewed this movie) has the following detailed information in his/her review: "(Vinnie Jones (XMEN 3), Patrick Bergin, Roger Daltrey--YES, from the WHO!). Especially when one of the IRA guys tries to steal the gangster's girl (Samantha Mumba (TIME MACHINE))." - This is marketing hype.
megan-206 (who, you guessed it, only ever wrote this single review): Women could see this film and enjoy it. - yes, this is marketing.
Exactly 11 of the 23 reviews talk about how amazing the soundtrack is. I have never seen so many reviews talk about a movie's soundtrack. Quite handy since the soundtrack comes on the DVD.. - Marketing hype.
I could go on and into more detail, but I wont. As of writing this, almost every good review of this movie reads as a marketing ploy. Maybe one or two are real, but the rest sound the same, are _overly_ positive, keep going on about the soundtrack and have never written another review.
jagon1 (only ever reviewed 1 movie): 'I'd like to compare this film to Crash, as it successfully integrates people of different races forced to coexist with one another.' - this movie is a comedy and crash is a drama.. The Jamaicans and Brits in London get on quite well together. Marketing hype.
rustyandamber from Dublin (the movie is about Irish terrorists, interesting coincidence.. yes again only one comment): "Music was a big thing - I like rap and rock but reggae is totally different. Lennox's mixes were great." - I like rap and rock but reggae is totally different? what? This isn't real.
parkertilley from saint vincent (who also only ever reviewed this movie) has the following detailed information in his/her review: "(Vinnie Jones (XMEN 3), Patrick Bergin, Roger Daltrey--YES, from the WHO!). Especially when one of the IRA guys tries to steal the gangster's girl (Samantha Mumba (TIME MACHINE))." - This is marketing hype.
megan-206 (who, you guessed it, only ever wrote this single review): Women could see this film and enjoy it. - yes, this is marketing.
Exactly 11 of the 23 reviews talk about how amazing the soundtrack is. I have never seen so many reviews talk about a movie's soundtrack. Quite handy since the soundtrack comes on the DVD.. - Marketing hype.
I could go on and into more detail, but I wont. As of writing this, almost every good review of this movie reads as a marketing ploy. Maybe one or two are real, but the rest sound the same, are _overly_ positive, keep going on about the soundtrack and have never written another review.
Enjoyable
williamhf200517 April 2006
Only saw review DVD, but enjoyed it. Actually watched it twice, partly due to a really great reggae soundtrack, and liked it better second time.
While it is a bit rough at the edges, it has some great performances and a sort of quirky appeal. The idea of an unsafe safe house works well, and there is an interesting dynamic between Vinny Jones, Patrick Bergin and Eriq LaSalle. While it is a thriller, it does not take itself too seriously and I agree with the 'spagetti western' comments elsewhere. Nice twist in the ending and some good one-liners.
Jones gives a very solid performance a long way from his usual tough guy, Bergin is theatrical, but entertaining and Eriq LaSalle is powerful as a gangster who wants to be a businessman.
It zips along and the wall-to-wall reggae is first rate - must be about 30 or 40 tracks
While it is a bit rough at the edges, it has some great performances and a sort of quirky appeal. The idea of an unsafe safe house works well, and there is an interesting dynamic between Vinny Jones, Patrick Bergin and Eriq LaSalle. While it is a thriller, it does not take itself too seriously and I agree with the 'spagetti western' comments elsewhere. Nice twist in the ending and some good one-liners.
Jones gives a very solid performance a long way from his usual tough guy, Bergin is theatrical, but entertaining and Eriq LaSalle is powerful as a gangster who wants to be a businessman.
It zips along and the wall-to-wall reggae is first rate - must be about 30 or 40 tracks
One Star for Reggae.
andidektor9 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
If you had to cast a tragic hero, a tough guy haunted by a violent past, driven by circumstances to redemption in the midst of moral emptiness and criminal depravity would you choose Vinnie Jones? No, me neither
As Johnny Doyle, Vinnie manages three states: 1. bewildered (whether it's required by the script or not), 2. blank (notably in moments of intended emotional engagement) and 3. angry (this could also be referred to as "the grimace").
Lennox Lewis as "DJ Ras", top Rastafarian, has even less range - one state only. He shares Vinnie's number 2. It's numbing to watch.
And if you employ a fine actor like Eriq La Salle to play Julius, a sleazy, brutal, murdering, drug dealing low-life yardie, living in a derelict crack den in the only graffiti-blitzed house in a suburban terrace somewhere in "Brixton" would you sabotage his performance by dressing him like a middle management executive? Admittedly he has some bling around his neck and fingers, but his general presentation is just about right for the club house at his local golf club.
La Salle does bring moments of real menace and a sense of depth to Julius, but it's never sustained by the script. At one point La Salle's character is so evil that he withholds a bag of heroin from his junkie girlfriend Rita, (Samantha Mumba), until she is forced to (wait for it ) kiss him on the lips, her humiliation witnessed passionlessly by Johnny (Vinnie, state 2). Where would Tarantino have taken a scene like that? Ah well.
Rita, the fittest, plumpest, healthiest junkie I've ever seen, sleepwalks from one encounter with Johnnie to the next. She's meant to have a heart of gold, because she used to be a nurse and she's nice to wounded people, but it's hard to tell because most of the time she looks bored. What a spiv like Julius sees in her is just one more mystery in a narrative that is very short on motivation for all but Patrick Bergin's unrepentant terrorist "Flynn".
As Flynn, Bergin shovels on his back-story in an OTT parody of a Northern Irish hard man, his acting as arch as his dialogue. He bludgeons his way through every scene he's in. Sometimes Vinnie shouts back at him - which is not a good idea - it seems to encourage new levels of sneering and eye-rolling.
Lost in the underwritten background of "Johnny Was" is an ill-at-ease Roger Daltrey cameo which is meant to be "hard" but isn't; an insignificant young sidekick for the escaped terrorist who's uselessly around for the duration; and the odd stereotypical good mate, thug or low-life, all by-the-numbers and forgettable.
The plot depends on meaningless deceits, incredible twists and gullible people. Characters appear and disappear just to help the exposition of a scene, or to inject some arbitrary plot point. People suddenly have guns or knives, or bombs. The action (mostly shooting) just happens. It's all played in a monotone. Even the photography is flat, neither stylised or natural. It would all be fun if there was a tongue in a cheek somewhere, or a modicum of style, but there isn't.
And then there's the ending. Oh dear.
What I can't understand is, what makes this a "movie" at all? The cast of C-list celebrities? An average episode of The Sweeney (or even current fluff like BBC's "Hustle") has better writing, production, direction and personality.
As Johnny Doyle, Vinnie manages three states: 1. bewildered (whether it's required by the script or not), 2. blank (notably in moments of intended emotional engagement) and 3. angry (this could also be referred to as "the grimace").
Lennox Lewis as "DJ Ras", top Rastafarian, has even less range - one state only. He shares Vinnie's number 2. It's numbing to watch.
And if you employ a fine actor like Eriq La Salle to play Julius, a sleazy, brutal, murdering, drug dealing low-life yardie, living in a derelict crack den in the only graffiti-blitzed house in a suburban terrace somewhere in "Brixton" would you sabotage his performance by dressing him like a middle management executive? Admittedly he has some bling around his neck and fingers, but his general presentation is just about right for the club house at his local golf club.
La Salle does bring moments of real menace and a sense of depth to Julius, but it's never sustained by the script. At one point La Salle's character is so evil that he withholds a bag of heroin from his junkie girlfriend Rita, (Samantha Mumba), until she is forced to (wait for it ) kiss him on the lips, her humiliation witnessed passionlessly by Johnny (Vinnie, state 2). Where would Tarantino have taken a scene like that? Ah well.
Rita, the fittest, plumpest, healthiest junkie I've ever seen, sleepwalks from one encounter with Johnnie to the next. She's meant to have a heart of gold, because she used to be a nurse and she's nice to wounded people, but it's hard to tell because most of the time she looks bored. What a spiv like Julius sees in her is just one more mystery in a narrative that is very short on motivation for all but Patrick Bergin's unrepentant terrorist "Flynn".
As Flynn, Bergin shovels on his back-story in an OTT parody of a Northern Irish hard man, his acting as arch as his dialogue. He bludgeons his way through every scene he's in. Sometimes Vinnie shouts back at him - which is not a good idea - it seems to encourage new levels of sneering and eye-rolling.
Lost in the underwritten background of "Johnny Was" is an ill-at-ease Roger Daltrey cameo which is meant to be "hard" but isn't; an insignificant young sidekick for the escaped terrorist who's uselessly around for the duration; and the odd stereotypical good mate, thug or low-life, all by-the-numbers and forgettable.
The plot depends on meaningless deceits, incredible twists and gullible people. Characters appear and disappear just to help the exposition of a scene, or to inject some arbitrary plot point. People suddenly have guns or knives, or bombs. The action (mostly shooting) just happens. It's all played in a monotone. Even the photography is flat, neither stylised or natural. It would all be fun if there was a tongue in a cheek somewhere, or a modicum of style, but there isn't.
And then there's the ending. Oh dear.
What I can't understand is, what makes this a "movie" at all? The cast of C-list celebrities? An average episode of The Sweeney (or even current fluff like BBC's "Hustle") has better writing, production, direction and personality.
Decent crime flick
BlueCloud924 December 2006
My girlfriend brought this movie home. I was pleasantly surprised in the 1st few minutes of this film. Vinnie Jones has always shown he's a great actor, the music was spot on, and the love interest, was, well, lovely. Lennox Lewis was comic relief, both as a character, and as a thespian. Eric LaSalle shows a nice fake yard boy accent. As a Saturday night diversion, this did me well. Toward the end, there's a bit of a twist, which I did not care for, but it did not ruin the movie for us.
The soundtrack and the location shoot was very well done, all in all, I would recommend this movie to anyone who liked ..say, "Lock Stock, and two smoking barrels".
The soundtrack and the location shoot was very well done, all in all, I would recommend this movie to anyone who liked ..say, "Lock Stock, and two smoking barrels".
Yet another slap in the face
An-Xphile12 September 2006
Well, what can I say? I think the past 3 or so reviews pretty much summed up all my grievances. I feel so peeved off though from having wasted the past 90-odd minutes of my life that I can't resist ranting. Like the rest of you, I watched this movie because of the good 'reviews'. I watched the film and agree with what has already been said - crap casting, script, direction, etc. So there's no point in me re-hashing the past reviews. But throughout the film, the same thought went through my mind - 'This guy's Northern Irish accent is appalling. And, he's talking utter rubbish'. Being from Belfast myself, as soon as I see Northern Irish characters in a film I brace myself for the impending insult that is generally the complete slur on my fellow Northern Irish with pathetic stereotypes and even worse attempts at accents (Charlies Angels 2 being a particular treat - that guy uttered one line and the whole cinema erupted in laughter. In fact the only time I've been impressed by an actor's accent is Anna Friel and David Thewlis). And this film was no different. Throwing around words like Gobshite and Craic does NOT mean you can do a Northern Irish accent dear. If it did my English boyfriend who moved here would be considered a local. If you want to see good Irish cinema, check out Man About Dog (the REAL 'Irish Snatch') or Mickey Bo and Me, Divorcing Jack, An Everlasting Piece etc etc. And by ALL means, avoid any so-called Northern Irish film that doesn't have Northern Irish actors. Or at least, that has Vinnie Jones being required to be anything other than the strong, silent-type.
You won't feel bad about watching this Vinnie Jones movie.
zardoz-1310 May 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Just because Vinnie Jones appears in a movie is no reason to watch it. If you've seen the former British soccer star in "The Condemned," "Played," and "Number One Girl," you know that his cinematic track record isn't consistent. Yes, he's made good movies, such as "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels," "Swordfish," and "Snatch," but too many of his films are best for rainy days when you have nothing else to eyeball. It is like they want Vinnie Jones for his compelling presence, but the films lack the dramatic firepower of Vinnie Jones' persona. Happily, while it isn't top-drawer, "Johnny Was" is an above-average opus with a polished look, and persuasive performances. It's worth watching at least once, especially if you are a Vinnie Jones fan.
Freshman helmer Mark Hammond manages to keep things moving at a fast pace in this Irish-produced, crime thriller about a group of oddball thugs that circumstances bring together in a London flat. Hammond's fellow Irishman Brendan Foley penned this slightly better-than-average yarn about a former Irish-Republican Army bomber Johnny Doyle (Vinnie Jones) trying to lay low for the last five years despite his unusual, obstreperous neighbors. Unfortunately, Doyle has chosen the worse safe place to conceal himself. He lives beneath a noisy, pirate radio station run by a Rastafarian disc jockey named Ras (former boxer Lennox Lewis) and above a well-dressed but ruthless Jamaican drug dealer Julius (Eriq La Salle of NBC's "E.R.") with a beautiful junkie girlfriend Rita (Samantha Mumba of "The Time Machine" remake) who was briefly once a nurse. During his illegal broadcasts, Ras condemns the bondage that narcotics holds his people in, while he puffs on his marihuana. Meanwhile, Doyle suffers from nightmares about his last terrorist bombing. The memory of his unsuccessful effort to save the life of an innocent female painter haunts him and drives him into hiding.
Were these complications not enough, our quasi-hero of sorts finds himself up to his neck in problems when his sadistic mentor Flynn (Patrick Bergin of "Sleeping with the Enemy") and Flynn's latest protégé Michael (Laurence Kinlan of "Ned Kelly") show up on his doorstep after having escaped from Brixton Prison with the cops searching everywhere for him. Flynn is an old-school IRA terrorist who considers innocent bystanders suffering from his bombings as little more than "collateral damage." During the escape, Michael injured his ankle so he spends a lot of time in bed in pain with nurse Rita attending to him. Of course, the jealous Jamaican is none too pleased with this relationship, but Johnny has enough nerve and muscle to keep the lethal drug dealer in line.
Just when things appear to be spiraling down for the worse, Flynn makes a deal with Julius to eliminate the latter's competition by blowing them up and then becoming Julius' fifty-fifty partner. Flynn needs money and guns so that he can leave London. Julius buys into Flynn's offer because Flynn plans to knock off the first of Julius' competitors for free. Meanwhile, Julius forces Johnnybecause of his experience working for an apothecaryto cut his drugs. Flynn winds up cutting the drugs and he displays his particular brand of cruelty in the amounts that he cuts.
Eventually, everything is settled in a blaze of gunfire and explosions with what appears to be the entire equivalent of the London Swat teams surrounding hero and villain at a trail station. Just to keep you on your toes, the ending comes with a little surprise of its own. Mind you, there are some other surprises in "Johnny Was," and we even learn during a final fist-smashing fight between Flynn and Doyle what the significance of the title "Johnny Was" means.
Foley's screenplay suffers at times from clichés and stereotypes. For example, Johnny amounts to another one of those tortured heroes who wants to walk the straight and narrow, but he finds himself in unable to because of his old friends and unruly neighbors. Eventually, Johnny gets his wish, but outcome seems reminiscent of those gangsters that changed their stripes at the end of a 1930s movie. Johnny comes off as a fairly sympathetic hero. However, there is nothing sympathetic about either Patrick Bergin's Flynn or Eriq La Salle's vicious drug dealer. Bergin and La Salle deliver excellent, hard case performances, especially La Salle who plays a character that is 180 degrees different than his doctor in "E.R."
"Johnny Was" qualifies as strictly minor league stuff, done with some assurance by Hammond, especially the gunfights, and featuring all-around solid performances by a convincing cast. You won't feel bad about watching this Vinnie Jones movie.
Freshman helmer Mark Hammond manages to keep things moving at a fast pace in this Irish-produced, crime thriller about a group of oddball thugs that circumstances bring together in a London flat. Hammond's fellow Irishman Brendan Foley penned this slightly better-than-average yarn about a former Irish-Republican Army bomber Johnny Doyle (Vinnie Jones) trying to lay low for the last five years despite his unusual, obstreperous neighbors. Unfortunately, Doyle has chosen the worse safe place to conceal himself. He lives beneath a noisy, pirate radio station run by a Rastafarian disc jockey named Ras (former boxer Lennox Lewis) and above a well-dressed but ruthless Jamaican drug dealer Julius (Eriq La Salle of NBC's "E.R.") with a beautiful junkie girlfriend Rita (Samantha Mumba of "The Time Machine" remake) who was briefly once a nurse. During his illegal broadcasts, Ras condemns the bondage that narcotics holds his people in, while he puffs on his marihuana. Meanwhile, Doyle suffers from nightmares about his last terrorist bombing. The memory of his unsuccessful effort to save the life of an innocent female painter haunts him and drives him into hiding.
Were these complications not enough, our quasi-hero of sorts finds himself up to his neck in problems when his sadistic mentor Flynn (Patrick Bergin of "Sleeping with the Enemy") and Flynn's latest protégé Michael (Laurence Kinlan of "Ned Kelly") show up on his doorstep after having escaped from Brixton Prison with the cops searching everywhere for him. Flynn is an old-school IRA terrorist who considers innocent bystanders suffering from his bombings as little more than "collateral damage." During the escape, Michael injured his ankle so he spends a lot of time in bed in pain with nurse Rita attending to him. Of course, the jealous Jamaican is none too pleased with this relationship, but Johnny has enough nerve and muscle to keep the lethal drug dealer in line.
Just when things appear to be spiraling down for the worse, Flynn makes a deal with Julius to eliminate the latter's competition by blowing them up and then becoming Julius' fifty-fifty partner. Flynn needs money and guns so that he can leave London. Julius buys into Flynn's offer because Flynn plans to knock off the first of Julius' competitors for free. Meanwhile, Julius forces Johnnybecause of his experience working for an apothecaryto cut his drugs. Flynn winds up cutting the drugs and he displays his particular brand of cruelty in the amounts that he cuts.
Eventually, everything is settled in a blaze of gunfire and explosions with what appears to be the entire equivalent of the London Swat teams surrounding hero and villain at a trail station. Just to keep you on your toes, the ending comes with a little surprise of its own. Mind you, there are some other surprises in "Johnny Was," and we even learn during a final fist-smashing fight between Flynn and Doyle what the significance of the title "Johnny Was" means.
Foley's screenplay suffers at times from clichés and stereotypes. For example, Johnny amounts to another one of those tortured heroes who wants to walk the straight and narrow, but he finds himself in unable to because of his old friends and unruly neighbors. Eventually, Johnny gets his wish, but outcome seems reminiscent of those gangsters that changed their stripes at the end of a 1930s movie. Johnny comes off as a fairly sympathetic hero. However, there is nothing sympathetic about either Patrick Bergin's Flynn or Eriq La Salle's vicious drug dealer. Bergin and La Salle deliver excellent, hard case performances, especially La Salle who plays a character that is 180 degrees different than his doctor in "E.R."
"Johnny Was" qualifies as strictly minor league stuff, done with some assurance by Hammond, especially the gunfights, and featuring all-around solid performances by a convincing cast. You won't feel bad about watching this Vinnie Jones movie.
johnny wasn't
gerrycarlin13 April 2006
Went to see the UK premier of this with not very high expectations. I feared my prediction was right when not one of the main cast showed up, but i still had an open mind, maybe it would become a cult classic.
No. I'm willing to put a bet on with anybody that this film will never be released.
I'm not even sure where to begin. Acting is probably the most notable omission so i'll start there. Every single main character is appalling especially Patrick Bergin and Samantha Mumba (who does an awful Irish accent. maybe a bit too much time in Hollywood). In fact, the best performance probably comes from former heavy wight champion of the world Lennox Lewis and thats not saying a lot.
The direction looks like a 12 year old was in charge behind the camera. Costumes and makeup, looked like a 12 year old girl was in charge. The script appeared to be written by Vinney Jones.
I'm actually really sorry for writing this because i wanted 'johnny was' to be the launch platform, showcase, for the new Northern Ireland film industry. Although Belfast did seem to lend itself well to the task, i fear it will do the industry more harm than good.
No. I'm willing to put a bet on with anybody that this film will never be released.
I'm not even sure where to begin. Acting is probably the most notable omission so i'll start there. Every single main character is appalling especially Patrick Bergin and Samantha Mumba (who does an awful Irish accent. maybe a bit too much time in Hollywood). In fact, the best performance probably comes from former heavy wight champion of the world Lennox Lewis and thats not saying a lot.
The direction looks like a 12 year old was in charge behind the camera. Costumes and makeup, looked like a 12 year old girl was in charge. The script appeared to be written by Vinney Jones.
I'm actually really sorry for writing this because i wanted 'johnny was' to be the launch platform, showcase, for the new Northern Ireland film industry. Although Belfast did seem to lend itself well to the task, i fear it will do the industry more harm than good.
Screening at BAFTA London - really enjoyed it
henry462324 September 2006
What a complete surprise and what a great story. I went to the screening with a bunch of friends knowing virtually nothing about this other than the cast, which was very celeb-driven.
It looks like a little low key action movie, and in some ways it is, but the story, the quirky characters and the subject matter - about race, national identity and gangster morality - is much smarter than most of the britflicks of recent years. It is like a strange hybrid of Long Good Friday and dark almost comic-book B Movie, and the low key dialogue plays well against the violence in the background.
It completely pulled me in. Vinnie Jones had one foot in his usual hard-man act, but the other was as a much more thoughtful guy, running away from his past.
Patrick Bergin plays a larger than life veteran psycho and is responsible for most of the dark laughs. La Salle is great and the opposite of his old ER character. Talking with my friends afterwards, there was disagreement about Samantha Mumba the former pop singer. Some thought she was too low key, but I thought she played the character of a junkie gangsters girl very well. Everyone agreed that Vinnie and Lennox Lewis were the best performances. Old Rocker Roger Daltrey was also good in a smaller role.
Some of the action looked a bit wobbly, but London came out looking well, especially Brixton Market.
Our verdict: if you are looking for a big budget action movie, this isn't it. But if you are sick and tired of movies which are all flash and no substance, this one with its unusual settings and great characters that stay with you after the movie is over might be for you.
It looks like a little low key action movie, and in some ways it is, but the story, the quirky characters and the subject matter - about race, national identity and gangster morality - is much smarter than most of the britflicks of recent years. It is like a strange hybrid of Long Good Friday and dark almost comic-book B Movie, and the low key dialogue plays well against the violence in the background.
It completely pulled me in. Vinnie Jones had one foot in his usual hard-man act, but the other was as a much more thoughtful guy, running away from his past.
Patrick Bergin plays a larger than life veteran psycho and is responsible for most of the dark laughs. La Salle is great and the opposite of his old ER character. Talking with my friends afterwards, there was disagreement about Samantha Mumba the former pop singer. Some thought she was too low key, but I thought she played the character of a junkie gangsters girl very well. Everyone agreed that Vinnie and Lennox Lewis were the best performances. Old Rocker Roger Daltrey was also good in a smaller role.
Some of the action looked a bit wobbly, but London came out looking well, especially Brixton Market.
Our verdict: if you are looking for a big budget action movie, this isn't it. But if you are sick and tired of movies which are all flash and no substance, this one with its unusual settings and great characters that stay with you after the movie is over might be for you.
surprisingly good
skisliy22 February 2008
I saw this movie on offer for £2.99 in a supermarket, and saw that the stars were Vinnie Jones, Lennox Lewis and Samantha Mumba. I bought it because I had a free afternoon and thought it would be laugh out loud awful.
And to some extent - yes this could be called a bad movie - if you take it seriously. But films like this arn't suppose to be taken seriously in the same way that spiderman and the matrix aren't "serious" movies.
If you take the film as it is (an enjoyable, perhaps tongue in cheek film) then it is very good. Lenox Lewis' casting adds to the understated comedy in the film.
Before anyone has a go at this review, I am British I live in London and I don't particularly enjoy reggae - but this film is still enjoyable and worth a watch if you can pick it up for a bargain like I did.
And to some extent - yes this could be called a bad movie - if you take it seriously. But films like this arn't suppose to be taken seriously in the same way that spiderman and the matrix aren't "serious" movies.
If you take the film as it is (an enjoyable, perhaps tongue in cheek film) then it is very good. Lenox Lewis' casting adds to the understated comedy in the film.
Before anyone has a go at this review, I am British I live in London and I don't particularly enjoy reggae - but this film is still enjoyable and worth a watch if you can pick it up for a bargain like I did.
IPLA? man tries to go straight.
JIMMYPOOHEAD25 March 2007
A poorly written, terribly acted movie. Do not waste your time watching this movie. I can't even believe I am wasting my time writing a review of it. An IPLA man(what is the IPLA? a fictitious republican paramilitary group, are the producers scared the IRA or INLA will sue them for using their names?) tries to go straight and hides out in Brixton. His past catches up with him when an IPLA man escapes from prison and seeks his help. Blah blah blah the plot is so terrible I can't begin to try and explain how bad it is. If you want to watch a good movie about the troubles watch In the Name of the Father, The Crying Game or The Boxer, not this tripe.
the worst film i have ever seen
mommus17 April 2007
I don't understand how this movie could have won an award. What's wrong with our Canadian cousins!?
Perhaps it's the fact that i live in London that makes the terrible attempt at accents all the more acute, or makes it so obvious that it was made in Belfast, rather than London, where it is set. Or perhaps it's the fact that Lennox Lewis (along with the rest of the cast probably!!) is far better at boxing than acting. But I think the real reason this film is such a stinker is that it has absolutely no point or direction whatsoever.
Most of the dialogue is written and delivered in such a way as to make you think it's some kind of GCSE drama improvisation, and the story is non-existent.
Perhaps it's the fact that i live in London that makes the terrible attempt at accents all the more acute, or makes it so obvious that it was made in Belfast, rather than London, where it is set. Or perhaps it's the fact that Lennox Lewis (along with the rest of the cast probably!!) is far better at boxing than acting. But I think the real reason this film is such a stinker is that it has absolutely no point or direction whatsoever.
Most of the dialogue is written and delivered in such a way as to make you think it's some kind of GCSE drama improvisation, and the story is non-existent.
Underrated.
Quag724 November 2008
This is the story of a guy who used to be a member of some radical faction of the IRA who has left that life and has managed to "go straight." He lives in Brixton, with a Rasta pirate DJ living above him, and a drug dealer living below him.
One day, some of his old comrades, wanted by the police, show up at his door, and drag him back into his old life. The always awesome Roger Daltrey shows up as one of the boys in the old brigade, though as someone else commented, he's not given enough screen time.
It was really cool to see Vinnie Jones get a three dimensional role. He's fantastic as a gangster or thug, but here he plays a guy with a conscience. He does a really convincing job of it, and as I'm used to seeing him play one kind of character, I was a bit surprised by this one.
I think part of what works here is he doesn't overact. He doesn't seem self-conscious about having what is, perhaps for him, a deeper character than usual. He pulls it off with reserve and without histrionics or over-acting, and I was pleasantly surprised with the result. I hope to see him do more of this kind of thing in the future (hopefully not to the exclusion of his tough guy gangster roles!) Patrick Bergin, an actor I wasn't familiar with before this movie, does a fine job as a radical bomber who seems to be in it for all the wrong reasons (such that there's anything but wrong reasons to be into political terrorism, but that's a whole other discussion). As an Irish tough guy with a swagger and an air of irresponsibility, he gives it just the right amount of gusto to make the character work.
Lennox Lewis is shockingly good as the pirate DJ, who plays a kind of counter-cultural authority figure or conscience of the film (he is said to be something like "the king" of Brixton.) I didn't even recognize him, but after this I hope to see him in more films.
The dubby, reggae soundtrack is fantastic - perfect, actually. The film concerns, at least in part, the interplay between English, Irish, and Jamaican characters, and the soundtrack and script seem quite cohesive in covering this theme.
I think this film is underrated. While it isn't The Godfather or anything, this is a solid film, with solid performances. I particularly liked the ending.
I recommend it, and I think it's certainly better than the 5.5 it presently has.
One day, some of his old comrades, wanted by the police, show up at his door, and drag him back into his old life. The always awesome Roger Daltrey shows up as one of the boys in the old brigade, though as someone else commented, he's not given enough screen time.
It was really cool to see Vinnie Jones get a three dimensional role. He's fantastic as a gangster or thug, but here he plays a guy with a conscience. He does a really convincing job of it, and as I'm used to seeing him play one kind of character, I was a bit surprised by this one.
I think part of what works here is he doesn't overact. He doesn't seem self-conscious about having what is, perhaps for him, a deeper character than usual. He pulls it off with reserve and without histrionics or over-acting, and I was pleasantly surprised with the result. I hope to see him do more of this kind of thing in the future (hopefully not to the exclusion of his tough guy gangster roles!) Patrick Bergin, an actor I wasn't familiar with before this movie, does a fine job as a radical bomber who seems to be in it for all the wrong reasons (such that there's anything but wrong reasons to be into political terrorism, but that's a whole other discussion). As an Irish tough guy with a swagger and an air of irresponsibility, he gives it just the right amount of gusto to make the character work.
Lennox Lewis is shockingly good as the pirate DJ, who plays a kind of counter-cultural authority figure or conscience of the film (he is said to be something like "the king" of Brixton.) I didn't even recognize him, but after this I hope to see him in more films.
The dubby, reggae soundtrack is fantastic - perfect, actually. The film concerns, at least in part, the interplay between English, Irish, and Jamaican characters, and the soundtrack and script seem quite cohesive in covering this theme.
I think this film is underrated. While it isn't The Godfather or anything, this is a solid film, with solid performances. I particularly liked the ending.
I recommend it, and I think it's certainly better than the 5.5 it presently has.
Terrible film, waste of time, life and money
garyshelley110 May 2009
I have never rated a film, nor posted an opinion on line about a film but having just watched this poor film I felt a duty to join IMDb and post a rating so as to warn others who may be considering making the same mistake as me. I gave this filth a 1 star as thats the lowest rating the ratings tool would allow me, but believe me this is not even a one star film, its awful terrible acting, terrible plot,the whole thing was absolutely ridiculous and I feel cheated. Anyone who had anything to do with this garbage must feel truly ashamed of themselves. I am a lover of great film, but if the truth be told I can watch any old rubbish and normally get in to it on some level but not with this absolute turkey, it was horrendous. I cannot fathom how anyone in there right mind could have allowed this film to be made let alone released, what a rip off, we have been cheated people. I now have a headache and the most annoying thing is I sat through this until the end despite deciding one minute into the film that this is the most amateur, pathetic effort of an attempt at a gangster movie I have ever seen. You cant even call this a movie, this film should be renamed'"Gone in 60 seconds"because thats precisely how long I should have left it in the DVD player before tossing this rubbish out of the window.
Be warned do not watch this movie.!!
Be warned do not watch this movie.!!
Charming little crime thriller
robertemerald21 February 2019
This is a charming little movie aimed at younger viewers. It's basically an anti-drugs movie. The soundtrack is part of the charm. It's entirely reggae. At times I wondered how the makers were going to make that work, but all up they pretty much did. If you hate reggae you'd better avoid this set-up. It is in no way another Snatch or Lock Stock, but also is it in no way boring, in fact it has a good pace throughout, a few good old close calls, a great British/Irish banter, a few interesting shoot-outs, a sweet little love affair, and a even a pop star in Roger Daltrey (though he's a definitely not a pop star in this!). Vinnie Jones is also a bit of a charmer, you'll like him, he's quick-witted and basically a good guy thinking ahead of the others. But it is Patrick Bergin whom (just) steals the show, his crucial role is a joy to behold. Supporting actors are also great characters, both in their roles and performance. This piece won't win any awards, it's basic storyline is a little stereotypical, but with its soundtrack it is an important innovation in filmmaking, and well worth a look, particularly if you love reggae and crime films.
cleaning house
wrlang24 September 2006
Johnny Was is a great Irish movie about criminals doing the right thing. Jones plays an ex-IRA operative trying to lay low after a bombing gone wrong until he can make a new life. Two of his old buddies (Bergin, Daltrey, Kinlin) who escape from prison and track him down to get revenge. They meet up with La Salle who is a drug dealer and Lewis the Rasta radio jock with a huge local following and Mumba who plays the drug dealers girl. They make try and scam each other until it all catches up with them in a very well thought out climax that left me with a smirk on my face. Not particularly fast paced, but the end is worth the wait.
Johnny IS
rustyandamber9 April 2006
Go see this movie. Good story. Not boring. Good actors. Liked the Brixton setting - liked multi-racial story and music -- and love story. Vinnie and Samantha very hot together.
Music was a big thing - I like rap and rock but reggae is totally different. Lennox's mixes were great.
Even though it obviously wasn't shot in London, I liked that it was about Irish people and Multi-racial people in London. Wasn't just a boring bunch of Brits.
Eriq LaSalle gave the movie a lot of tension and excitement. Loved the scenes with him and Patrick Bergin. Very unique seeing the two cultures go at it and play cat and mouse.
Recommend a lot.
Music was a big thing - I like rap and rock but reggae is totally different. Lennox's mixes were great.
Even though it obviously wasn't shot in London, I liked that it was about Irish people and Multi-racial people in London. Wasn't just a boring bunch of Brits.
Eriq LaSalle gave the movie a lot of tension and excitement. Loved the scenes with him and Patrick Bergin. Very unique seeing the two cultures go at it and play cat and mouse.
Recommend a lot.
Just enjoy it
innababylon10 September 2006
The last person's negative comments are a laugh. Me-109 or whatever his name is says everyone is is wrong because they enjoyed the movie, or else (unlike him!) they are all just hype because most only did one review - but Me has only ever written two (and both say 'don't watch this movie it is all hype'). Most people don't post too many reviews because we have a life and maybe don't see so many things we like enough. Most of the comments are from UK and Ireland because that was where the movie was made and played at festivals. It only just came over here (U.S.).
This movie is not for anyone like the moaner who wants to take it too seriously. It is a fun B Movie made for not a lot of money that I went to see because I love reggae. Lots of the comments say that. Watch it on those terms and enjoy it or not, but spare the rest of us the lectures. Go find a movie you like and tell us why instead. I for one will be waiting for the soundtrsck.
This movie is not for anyone like the moaner who wants to take it too seriously. It is a fun B Movie made for not a lot of money that I went to see because I love reggae. Lots of the comments say that. Watch it on those terms and enjoy it or not, but spare the rest of us the lectures. Go find a movie you like and tell us why instead. I for one will be waiting for the soundtrsck.
I'd say 9 out of ten
lacabaret9 April 2006
I saw this movie in Belfast on my first trip to Ireland and I thought it was great. Wish US movies were this cool. You'd never hear reggae music like this in a Hollywood movie and I really liked the story.
I think Vinnie Jones is great in everything he does -- but he was especially good in this one. Loved him fighting with Patrick Bergin as the psycho guy who wants him to go back to being as psycho as he is.
I also really liked Lennox Lewis as the pirate DJ. He's really powerful on screen. He could be like Samuel Jackson or 50 Cent if he had more parts like this.
This wasn't like I thought it was gonna be. But I really liked it and would def check it out again on DVD.
I think Vinnie Jones is great in everything he does -- but he was especially good in this one. Loved him fighting with Patrick Bergin as the psycho guy who wants him to go back to being as psycho as he is.
I also really liked Lennox Lewis as the pirate DJ. He's really powerful on screen. He could be like Samuel Jackson or 50 Cent if he had more parts like this.
This wasn't like I thought it was gonna be. But I really liked it and would def check it out again on DVD.
Johnny Was just won audience award at Toronto Rebelfast
strummerfan2011 September 2006
Johnny Was just one the audience award at Rebelfest, the indie fest that runs alongside Toronto Film Fest. It even got an encore screening because it sold out and the audience feedback was so good.
It beat out ten other features, some of which were also really good.
I agree with Innababylon's comments. The movie is a rolicking good bit of madness that gallops all over the place. The characters are larger than life so of course not 'believable' but very engaging. The movie tries to be both a B-Movie and a 'thinker' with a lot of humor.
Will it make my top ten? Doubt it, but is it part of a great night in, for anyone who likes a mad little movie with a heart and a brain, you bet. The movie is driven along by an amazing soundtrack of about forty reggae tracks from the On-U label and others.
Overall, eight out of ten.
It beat out ten other features, some of which were also really good.
I agree with Innababylon's comments. The movie is a rolicking good bit of madness that gallops all over the place. The characters are larger than life so of course not 'believable' but very engaging. The movie tries to be both a B-Movie and a 'thinker' with a lot of humor.
Will it make my top ten? Doubt it, but is it part of a great night in, for anyone who likes a mad little movie with a heart and a brain, you bet. The movie is driven along by an amazing soundtrack of about forty reggae tracks from the On-U label and others.
Overall, eight out of ten.
congrats from Canada for Rebelfest award
denvereverwood17 September 2006
Attended Rebelfest in Toronto where this won the Sony Audience Award and as a fellow filmmaker enjoyed meeting some of the guys involved in making it.
The mix of voices in the movie was really different - Jamaican, Irish, English and a lot of people have commented on the soundtrack of reggae, which was well used.
Some aspects were not so great - technical production left a bit to be desired, but I suppose this is low budget indie problems always.
Acting wise I think Vinnie Jones was good and while I read some comment about him not doing a good Irish accent, unless I've completely missed the point I thought he was supposed to be a Londoner whose family came from Ireland, which would mean he spoke like a Londoner - which to my ears he did.
Another small grumble is that Roger Daltrey is very good but should have had a bigger role. He has an interesting character, but it just comes and goes.
I agree with the comments on Samantha Mumba - a bit too healthy looking for a junkie. On the other hand, Lennox Lewis, who I was expecting to be just a celeb cameo did really well in an interesting role as a DJ running an illegal music station.
Anyway - we enjoyed it, so congrats to cast and crew from someone who knows how hard it is to get indie movies made.
The mix of voices in the movie was really different - Jamaican, Irish, English and a lot of people have commented on the soundtrack of reggae, which was well used.
Some aspects were not so great - technical production left a bit to be desired, but I suppose this is low budget indie problems always.
Acting wise I think Vinnie Jones was good and while I read some comment about him not doing a good Irish accent, unless I've completely missed the point I thought he was supposed to be a Londoner whose family came from Ireland, which would mean he spoke like a Londoner - which to my ears he did.
Another small grumble is that Roger Daltrey is very good but should have had a bigger role. He has an interesting character, but it just comes and goes.
I agree with the comments on Samantha Mumba - a bit too healthy looking for a junkie. On the other hand, Lennox Lewis, who I was expecting to be just a celeb cameo did really well in an interesting role as a DJ running an illegal music station.
Anyway - we enjoyed it, so congrats to cast and crew from someone who knows how hard it is to get indie movies made.
A brilliant film
morgaine_jezebel21 April 2006
I saw Johnny Was in Dublin and I was totally blown away by the film. The acting, the cast, the soundtrack, everything worked. At first I was a little disappointed that only a couple of the cast were there, but that quickly disappeared when the film began. I must add that I am not the type of person that has NEVER watched a Vinnie Jones film, because I'm far too scared of blood and violence, but this film is very different. It has an intelligent storyline and doesn't focus on the troubles like most other Northern Irish films. As for the ending, it is a stroke of genius. I did not expect what happened and I thought it was a wonderful way to end a fantastic film. I will definitely be showing this film to all of my friends and I wish the cast and crew all the best with it.
A great little movie - Vinnie Jones can act!
elinoglars20 April 2006
I saw this at the Dublin Film Festival premiere. With Vinnie Jones heading the cast you expect knuckle-soup from start to finish, so it took me a little while to realize that this is actually a real movie - about something! I have been a huge fan of Vinnie for many years so it was such a pleasure to see him starring in a film where he is a real person. Great stuff. I also found Patrick Bergin hilarious - his take on his character is just so funny you can't help liking him in spite of him being a terrorist. Eriq La Salle is scary - he's such a good actor I wonder what happened to him after ER - more of him, please. I was very entertained by this film and can't wait to see what Vinnie's up to next!
Will the hardest man please stand up, please stand up?
pitcairn368 April 2006
I enjoyed this film a great deal. To me the best description of it is a Brixton "Western". Patrick Bergen delivers a wild , over the top psycho performance. Eric LaSalle is great - his gangster look is as sharp as a tack - kinda charmingly brutal. The look of Vinnie's character Johnny Doyle is really scary, but he is one of the softer characters in the film. However my award for the hardest man goes to Roger Daltry, who for me stole the show. The film has a great thumping reggae soundtrack and some wry humour. Samantha Mumba is still very serious eye-candy.
My negatives were that the relationship between Johnny and Rita was not given more attention and that Roger Daltry should have had more screen time!
Overall, very worth checking out
My negatives were that the relationship between Johnny and Rita was not given more attention and that Roger Daltry should have had more screen time!
Overall, very worth checking out
I thought this was HOT!
Sgolds239 April 2006
I'm really tired of films that just show lots of explosions and nothing else. This film was actually about something that matters and it was really fascinating to watch. Never seen a movie that showed the Rasta and Jamaican people mixing with the Irish -- so much more interesting that just a "troubles" film.
And let me say, Vinnie Jones, Eriq LAsalle and Roger Daltrey are HOT -- even tho' Roger could be my Dad. And Lennox Lewis is so hot. I never thought he'd be able to act. He was really good. Loved seeing all these hot guys together. Samantha Mumba was really lucky 2 B with them.
My only negative is that it started kinda slow -- but really kicked in when it got to the druggie stuff.
I loved the music. GOTTA HAVE THE SOUNDTRACK -- really hot reggae mix.
Very different. I saw it in Belfast and everyone I talked to loved it. I hope more films like this get made in UK -- that don't just show same old clichés over and over.
Did I say Eriq Lasalle was hot? Damn!
And let me say, Vinnie Jones, Eriq LAsalle and Roger Daltrey are HOT -- even tho' Roger could be my Dad. And Lennox Lewis is so hot. I never thought he'd be able to act. He was really good. Loved seeing all these hot guys together. Samantha Mumba was really lucky 2 B with them.
My only negative is that it started kinda slow -- but really kicked in when it got to the druggie stuff.
I loved the music. GOTTA HAVE THE SOUNDTRACK -- really hot reggae mix.
Very different. I saw it in Belfast and everyone I talked to loved it. I hope more films like this get made in UK -- that don't just show same old clichés over and over.
Did I say Eriq Lasalle was hot? Damn!
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