As a result, it's difficult to warm up to Chris, even though his backstory is one of redemption. Guided by a strong director, Wahlberg has shown impressive acting chops, but Kormakur is not the kind of filmmaker who can cull the best from his leading man. Unlike Matt Damon, who can ratchet it up for an action role, Wahlberg appears capable of only one level. The pace is uneven only on rare occasions is there a sense of urgency, and the "nick of time" ending seems like what it is: a bad cliché.Īs Chris Farraday, Mark Wahlberg adopts his usual low-key persona.
The screenplay could be smart, but it isn't. While Kormakur brings a sense of offbeat humor to the proceedings, his handling of action sequences is suspect (they lack tension) and the story is frustratingly driven by characters doing moronic and short-sighted things. This movie's director, Baltasar Kormakur, served as both producer and lead actor in the original, so there's a solid connection. In short, this is pretty much what we have come to expect of movies released in January (at least those that are not Oscar-hopeful holdovers from the previous year).Ĭontraband is remake of the Icelandic film Reykjavik-Rotterdam. The film's structure is haphazard, the energy level is low, the surprises are few, and the ending is far too clean for such a messy motion picture. Either as a result of poor writing or sloppy editing, glaring plot holes are never plugged. Sadly, in the case of Contraband, the seams show. By their very nature, heist-oriented thrillers are intended to be erected upon a bedrock of contrivances, but a skilled director can obfuscate this reality and make the whole thing seem like one long, fun ride. When it comes to a 110-minute feature, however, the sketchiness of the plotting and the director's lack of sure-handedness sink the project. Contraband is the kind of thriller that offers just enough in the way of effective elements to assemble a two-minute trailer. This entry was tagged British National Films, Conrad Veidt, Contraband (1940), Contraband film locations, Eastgate-on-Sea, Emeric Pressburger, feature film, Film, Hay Petrie, Michael Powell, Port of Ramsgate, Ramsgate, Royal Harbour Marina, spy thriller, Valerie Hobson, world war 2.
CONTRABAND FILM MOVIE
Ramsgate has been used as a film location for Eastenders (2015), Big Bad World (2013) and Johnny English Reborn (2011).Ĭontraband was released on Saturday 11th May 1940 and is now available to purchase on DVD.įor more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. The area also boasts a beach, amusements, arcades, shops, restaurants and a theatre. Situated in East Kent, Ramsgateis a beautiful coastal town, home to the Port of Ramsgate, the only Royal Harbour Marina in the country. Ramsgate, particularly the harbour and railway station, doubled as the fictional town Eastgate-on-Sea in the film. Caligari), Valerie Hobson ( Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), Great Expectations (1946)) and Hay Petrie ( One of Our Aircraft is Missing, Crimes at the Dark House). However, he discovers something a lot bigger than a few thieves trying to make a quick profit.ĭirected by Michael Powell ( A Canterbury Tale (1944), The Red Shoes), the film stars Conrad Veidt ( Casablanca, The Cabinet of Dr. The darkness brings chaos with smugglers and spies wanting to take advantage and the captain is forced to participate in a game of cat and mouse through the dark streets of London looking for important papers that belong to the ship.
Set in early World War II, Contraband (1940) is about a Danish sea captain, delayed in a British port when a blackout occurs. Production Company: British National Films Starring: Conrad Veidt, Valerie Hobson, Hay Petrie Writers: Emeric Pressburger, Michael Powell Contraband Film Poster © British National Films
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