Does this tense thriller deliver? Find out in our review!
Sean Faris, who gamers may know as the main character in Need For Speed: The Run, delivers a convincing and enjoyable performance. Faris plays Nick Davenport, a recently released inmate who is attempting to start a family with his pregnant wife, played by Twilight’s Nikki Reed in a truly forgettable performance. After being released from county jail for grand theft auto, Davenport stops by the diner. Due to his past mistakes he is immediately suspected as being the one behind the robbery. Faris’ portrayal of a man who does not want to go back to prison and who wants to be there for his family is believable and sentimental.
Nikki Reed is forgettable in this film.
He becomes the character the audience roots for, as the script intended, and delivers the performance of his career. While some of the decisions he makes in the film are disappointing such as confronting the killer on numerous occasions. While questionable, these decisions are overlooked by his performance. Ray Liotta also makes a forgettable appearance has a member of the mafia. While serviceable, you will forget he is even in the movie before the end credits begin to roll.
Faris is great in an otherwise disappointing film.
Pawn attempts to be a serious and tense heist film with a twist. While a few of the actors do deliver, it is not difficult to standout among the bland performances given throughout the film. Jay Anthony White’s script is too predictable as it tries to be more inventive than it is. David A. Armstrong did a decent job directing the film. He was a suitable choice to evoke the tense and life-threatening atmosphere of the film. It is disappointing that the script and performances of the actors could not do the same.
Let's hope Liotta sticks to crime films that are actually good.
Score: 5 / 10
