The movie 5lbs of Pressure, set in Manhattan but filmed in Manchester, England, tries to look the part but ends up feeling a bit off. Directed by Phil Allocco and released by Lionsgate, this crime drama attempts to tell a complex story of misunderstandings and bad decisions among a group of shady characters. While it aims to create a gritty New York vibe, it sometimes feels more like a fictional world than a real-life setting, which makes it hard for us to really connect with the characters who are meant to be seen as tragic heroes.
The title of the movie refers to the force needed to pull a handgun’s trigger, setting the stage for a story filled with conflict and danger. The plot centers around Adam DeSalvo, played by Luke Evans, who is trying to get his life back on track after spending years in prison. He returns to his old neighborhood, despite the risk of reigniting old feuds, especially with Eli, the brother of a man Adam was convicted of killing, and Eli’s deeply upset mother.
Adam hopes to reconnect with his ex-girlfriend Donna and their son Jimmy, who doesn’t even know Adam exists. He finds work as a bartender and tries to make amends, but faces rejection. Meanwhile, the local underworld, filled with tough guys and criminal activities, hasn’t changed. This includes Leff, a drug dealer, and his nephew Mike, who dreams of becoming a rock star but makes poor decisions in an attempt to fund his ambitions.
The movie is packed with tense interactions and a lot of tough talk, but we don’t get to see much of the character’s inner lives or any lighter moments to balance out the drama. Even though the actors try to bring some realism to their roles, the characters often come across as one-dimensional.
PAI E FILHO! Novo teaser de Rudy Pankow e Luke Evans como Jimmy e Adam para o filme '5lbs Of Pressure', que estreia dia 8 de março. pic.twitter.com/f5atY4LEPV
— Rudy Pankow Access (@rudethaccess) February 27, 2024
The film does boast some impressive visual style, thanks to the work of cinematographer Sara Deane, but the attempt to add emotional weight towards the end feels forced and doesn’t quite hit the mark. While 5lbs of Pressure keeps you watching, it struggles to make you care deeply about the fate of its characters, ultimately feeling more like a conventional crime story than a deeply moving drama. Source
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