Executscan Expected more

Matrixiole Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

ThedevilChoose When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

Merolliv I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

The Movie Diorama I'm not the biggest fan of British crime dramas, especially those particularly depicting London...in fact I would say I'm not a fan at all. Purposefully gritty and all too similar to each other, it's a sub-genre that never offers anything new. Hummingbird does include typical gangster traits, yet its primary focus is of a character study. An ex-soldier pulled from Helmand Province in Afghanistan is attempting to restore his life back in London. From the cold damp London alleyways to illegally residing in a luxury apartment, he tries his best to set things right for, not just himself, but his closest friends. I must warn you, if you think this is an over-the-top action flick that Statham typically stars in then you will be disappointed. The marketing would lead you to that false conclusion. Instead, what we have is a personable study of a man who starts off with nothing and gradually builds himself back up again...albeit illegally but I'll that one slide for now. I find Statham is more competent and interesting in these small British thrillers (very similar to 'Blitz'). He isn't just going round obliterating every guy who wields a weapon, although there is some great choreography used in the infrequent fight scenes presented here. No, it's a rather nuanced performance and one that allows him to portray an emotionally complex and damaged character. One of his better performances. Well shot and directed by Knight who also writes what is unfortunately an inconsistent screenplay. It's just too messy. What is actually the main plot? Because what I see we are presented with is three subplots that are constantly being switched which, coincidentally, all somehow link together for the third act. The hunt for a man who kills a prostitute, a close relationship formed with a nun and contributing to an underground Chinese business. They naturally do not link and therefore the narrative is inconsistent. A real lack of cohesion, which consequently creates a slow pace.

adrian-43767 Statham is a limited range actor, physical action and threatening eyes being his bread and butter (he is quite good in those two areas). He fled military service, is living with vagrants and on the kindness of a Catholic soup kitchen, but - bless him! - he has a heart of gold, and liberallly dispenses to fellow hoboes what he steals in the name of the person whose apartment he broke into. He also acts as bone-breaker for a Chinese gang that sells drugs, among other nefarious activities.The story is reasonably interesting to begin with, but rapidly shows holes; cinematography is typically basic and geared for the enjoyment of violence and revenge... and the rest of the film is about toying with, and insulting, the Catholic faith, represented by a nun who commits the sins of fornication, stealing a donation to attend ballet, aiding and abetting crime and an AWOL-er who is also a thief -- among other misdeeds that all seem to go unnoticed to her surprisingly unattentive Mother Superior.I give HUMMINGBIRD 3/10 for the good stunts and action. Otherwise, it is instantly forgettable and I hereby vow never to watch it again. I do not pay to watch my faith insulted or to encourage other such attacks.

Tweekums Joey Smith has gone AWOL from his Special Forces unit and is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder because of things he saw and did in Afghanistan. He is living rough on the streets of London until one day a group of thugs attack him and fellow homeless people. He flees and ends up in an empty apartment; he soon learns that the owner in out of the country and won't be back for several months so decides to stay there. Soon afterwards he learns that his friend Isabel has gone missing and determines to find what has happened to her. He gets work with Chinese gangsters and earns lots of money; he doesn't forget his friends in the homeless community or his only real friend; a nun named Cristina. Cristina tells Joey that somebody she knows in the police has told her about a prostitute found dead in the river; photographs confirm that it is Isabel; Joey is determined to do what it takes to find the man responsible; even if he has to do some reprehensible things in the process.Jason Statham is great when he plays tough guys or drives around in fast cars but I wasn't sure if he'd be any good in more nuanced roles. This film shows that he can in fact handle more emotional roles too. He does a fine job as Joey; especially during the scenes where we see him dealing with his inner demons. That said fans hoping to see him dish out some summary justice to various unpleasant characters get a few such scenes which are as impressive as one might expect. Agata Buzek provides fine support as Joey's conflicted friend Sister Cristina; there is a good chemistry between her and Statham. While the film is fairly downbeat there are some genuinely funny moments; the best being when the neighbour, who thinks Joey is gay, ask if he ever fancies women and he replies that lately he has been having thoughts about nuns! Overall I'd say this is a pretty good film; there is a solid, well-acted story and some solid action; it was nice to see Statham playing a character that was more than just a hard man in a car.

LeonLouisRicci Great Looking Drama with a Goodly Amount of Action Mixed in with a Message and a bit of Romance. Jason Statham Stretches His Street Cred as a Kick-Asser in this Noble Attempt at Elevating His Range Beyond the Standard Stath Stuff.Agata Buzek Shines as a Nun, that Returning Special Forces Joey Smith/Jones Admires, and is Especially Helpful and a Compelling Character in Her Own Right, Along Side the Brooding Soldier Suffering Greatly from the War Experience in the Middle East. She is the Equilibrium Needed for His Return to a Normal Life as He Tries to Connect with His Estranged Daughter and Survive in the Challenging World On the Streets.This is an Exceptional Film and is Entertainingly Different in the Confines of Statham's Usual Genre. It's Got a Lot of Heart and the Ending is a Surprising Non Cop-Out. Definitely Worth a Watch for Fans of the Star to See if He can Pull this Off (He does), and Moviegoers who Stay Away from Crime and Action Movies that They Usually Find Routine, will Most Likely See it as Refreshing.