Vinnie Jones' first starring role was chosen perfectly. Like the man himself, the film is about a football player who gets himself into trouble.
Unfortunately, that's about all that is perfect about this film. I had great trouble trying to work out if this was a gritty, violent prison movie or a comedy. One second you'll be watching a prisoner being butchered by another - then you'll be given a visual gag and some funny lines... then left to wonder if the violence had any relevance at all.
If your a Vinnie Jones or footy fan, then you will probably enjoy the last segment of the film. The football match is actually quite entertaining, with some great moments from Jason Statham.
Jones actually does very well in his first major role, being the only thing that made Mean Machine watchable. I'd go as far as saying that he is a better actor than he is a footballer (which probably isn't saying much). Jones is a talent to look out for, but first-time director Barry Skolnick isn't.
Unfortunately, that's about all that is perfect about this film. I had great trouble trying to work out if this was a gritty, violent prison movie or a comedy. One second you'll be watching a prisoner being butchered by another - then you'll be given a visual gag and some funny lines... then left to wonder if the violence had any relevance at all.
If your a Vinnie Jones or footy fan, then you will probably enjoy the last segment of the film. The football match is actually quite entertaining, with some great moments from Jason Statham.
Jones actually does very well in his first major role, being the only thing that made Mean Machine watchable. I'd go as far as saying that he is a better actor than he is a footballer (which probably isn't saying much). Jones is a talent to look out for, but first-time director Barry Skolnick isn't.