Bullet Boy
Dir: Saul Dibb
2004
****
Bullet Boy isn't as bad as its promotional poster or name might suggest. Sure, it starts off badly and the first half is very much typical of the genre with the the usual cliches. If I'm being honest, I very nearly turned off when the ever annoying Jaime Winstone appeared but I'm glad I didn't. About half way through, not a second too late mind, Bullet Boy becomes profoundly brilliant. Suddenly there is tension, suspense and most importantly substance. The scene with the two boys playing hide and seek was quite a surprise and a powerful bit of film making. To be fair, the acting and direction were very good from the start and maybe it needed to be run of the mill for the first part just to give the last half the impact it achieves. Credit has to go to the young Luke Fraser and the very naturally talented Ashley Walters who are both very good in the lead roles. Persevere with this one, I believe it's worth it!