Two Down is the first theatrical feature from Fizz and Ginger Films, whom Screen International (UK), picked for their 'Stars of Tomorrow' edition in 2013. Set in modern day London, Two Down is nevertheless inspired by films of the 1970's, which gives this clever little thriller an interesting spin in the look, the dialogue and the sound. After surviving an explosion in Iraq, Mr. Thomas leaves the infuriating desk job the army had created for him and enters the underground wor... (Full plot summary below)
Enjoy FREE movies and series with your Prime (USA) subscription or when you start a 30-day free trial!
Sorry, we can't find any suggestions at the moment.
Two Down is the first theatrical feature from Fizz and Ginger Films, whom Screen International (UK), picked for their 'Stars of Tomorrow' edition in 2013. Set in modern day London, Two Down is nevertheless inspired by films of the 1970's, which gives this clever little thriller an interesting spin in the look, the dialogue and the sound. After surviving an explosion in Iraq, Mr. Thomas leaves the infuriating desk job the army had created for him and enters the underground world of the contract killer. His brother, Sam, had been caught selling on army secrets to the highest bidder and is now working for the illusive Harry Montagu. They use Mr. Thomas as a very effective way of eliminating problems they encounter in their business. That is until Mr. Thomas begins to question whom these problems are that he is removing, and why they deserve this fate. We start the film with Mr. Thomas following a target, a young woman. All is not as it seems as she manages to fight him off long enough for someone in the shadows to shoot him in the back. Thinking him dead they walk away, leaving him to die in the alleyway. Mr. Thomas, surviving, but injured, manages to get to a safe house owned by a friend. When he arrives however his friend is no longer there but a young woman, Sophie. Through necessity he takes her, and the local take-away delivery boy, hostage and waits for his partner to pick him up. Hours later he is still waiting and over the course of the evening, with the help of a bottle of whiskey and a Chinese take-away, they slowly unravel the events of the evening to discover that Mr. Thomas was set up. Led by a very keen Sophie they try to work out by who and why. But why is Sophie so eager to get to the bottom of the events of the evening? There is more than one mystery that Mr. Thomas has to solve, and he's quickly running out of time. The film features Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones, Suits), Felicity Montagu (Alan Partridge), Amy Manson (Once Upon A Time), Alex Hassell (Anonymous, RSC), Tori Hart (Keeping Rosy), Graham Butler ( Penny Dreadful), and host of great British actors. Stephen Fry and Sir Derek Jacobi are Executive Producers.
Leave your thoughts about Two Down.
| Movie TalkJason BestAlex Hassell and Tori Hart make a good impression as the studiously polite gunman and his unflappable host. |
| User ReviewFizz AFrankly My Dear Review - Donna Kelly - July 2015 Two Down makes UK Premiere at 2015 Manchester Film Festival With 71 films making their UK and world premiere at the inaugural Manchester Film Festival, it takes a special kind of film to stand out from the crowd. Tipped as one of the highlights is Two Down, a dark comedy about deception, deceit and unlikely friendships in a hitman's final hours. Written by Matthew Butler and Tori Hart of Fizz and Ginger Films with Stephen Fry and Sir Derek Jacobi as Executive Producers, expectations were high when the film made its UK premiere at Manchester Film Festival last night. Thankfully, it delivered. Two Down tells the story of hired hitman John Thomas (Alex Hassell) who, after his mission his compromised, is forced to take refuge in an old safe house. The film opens with Mr. Thomas following his next target, a young woman, down a deserted alleyway. But all is not as it seems as the woman fights him off long enough for someone in the shadows to shoot him in the back. Injured, confused and desperate to get to safety, Mr. Thomas is forced to hold a young woman Sophie Watson (Tori Hart) and the local take-away delivery boy Luke (Graham Butler) hostage in Sophie's home. But as he waits for his partner to arrive, Mr. Thomas begins to realise he's been deceived and time is quickly running out. Clever, witty and superbly cast, Two Down is a dark comedy that pays homage to the espionage thrillers of the 1970s. Writers Butler and Hart claim the plot was inspired by films such as The Conversation (1974) starting Gene Hackman which is clearly evident in its overall look and style. Whilst set in modern day London, the film boasts a distinctive 70s feel to it, from its witty dialogue and overall sepia tone, to the well-spoken mannerisms and 70s style moustache of the lead character. The result is an interesting spin on a classic crime thriller that is full of satirical humour. Alex Hassell (Anonymous, RSC) is excellent as the injured hitman John Thomas, who despite being a murderer, we can't help but love. Clever, well-spoken and quick witted, John Thomas is more than just a hitman and as the film develops, we begin to know more about his complex character. Following an explosion in Iraq, Thomas is forced him into a mundane desk job as an Army clerk. Just like Luke, we're fascinated by the story of how he got into the underground world of the contract killer and we (almost) begin to understand his reasoning behind his life choice. Tori Hart plays a strong role as Sophie Watson, the intriguing young woman caught up in the crossfire who boasts a few secrets of her own. Graham Butler (Penny Dreadful) is equally good as local take-away delivery boy Luke with his slick comedy timing providing comic relief during the more tense drama moments. A few well-known faces also make an appearance, notably Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones) as Harry Montague and Felicity Montagu (Alan Partridge) as Mrs. Hannon. Two Down is the second feature film from Fizz and Ginger Films following the star studied The Curse of the Buxom Strumpet. Since being named Screen International (UK) 'Stars of Tomorrow' in 2013, the creative duo of Matthew Butler and Tori Hart has grown from strength to strength, working wonders with a small budget and tight timeframe (just 12 days of filming) to produce an impressive piece of cinema with Two Down. Dark, clever and deliciously entertaining, Two Down is one of the best films I've seen this year and is more than worthy of its selection in the inaugural Manchester Film Festival. 5 Stars (5 / 5) |
| User ReviewIan CThe polite Britishness of the hitman and his host, at one point offering that it was as much an inconvenience for him as for her, really sets the scene for a clever - if contrived - situation black comedy. Quite clever, very entertaining and overall despite the deaths with a nice feel good factor!! |
