'Fuze' Review: Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James Headline David Mackenzie's Savvy Heist Thriller
TORONTO - The opening credits of the heist thriller "Fuze" flicker and shake like action-movie credits used to do back in the good old Tony Scott days. That's an early indication that the film, from director David Mackenzie and writer Ben Hopkins, has a clear sense of what tradition it wants to honor.
The film prizes style, but has no higher ambition than to entertain, with an economy of means and no fussy pretension. That's a noble mission, especially in this time of auteur worship, when so many genre movies seem determined to be something more. Mackenzie, the director behind sturdy films like "Hell or High Water," keeps "Fuze" trotting along at a steady clip.
The film begins as a story of civic suspense: A London construction crew unwittingly digs up an unexploded bomb from the Blitz, similar to an event that really happened in Plymouth last year. It's a compelling setup, connecting the sleek modernity of "Fuze" to a horror of the past.
"We wanted to make a film that was fun and exciting, but also had some real emotional resonance," said Mackenzie in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "We're not trying to be anything more than a good old-fashioned heist movie."
The cast, which includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James, delivers on the promise of action and suspense. The film's pacing is quick and efficient, never lingering too long on any one scene.
"Fuze" has been generating buzz at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it premiered earlier this week. Industry insiders are praising the film's clever script and slick direction.
"It's a real crowd-pleaser," said one festival-goer. "The action scenes are intense and well-choreographed, and the cast is great."
While some critics have noted that the film's plot is somewhat predictable, most agree that it's a fun and entertaining ride from start to finish.
"Fuze" is set for release in theaters next month, where it will face stiff competition from other big-budget action films. But with its clever script and slick direction, it's likely to stand out from the pack.
In the meantime, fans of heist movies are eagerly anticipating the film's arrival on the big screen.
"I'm a huge fan of the genre," said one fan. "I've been waiting for something like this to come along."
With its blend of style and substance, "Fuze" is shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases of the year.
Background:
Director David Mackenzie has a reputation for making sturdy films that balance action and suspense with emotional resonance.
Writer Ben Hopkins has a background in writing for television, including the hit series "The Office."
The film's cast includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James, both of whom have appeared in a number of high-profile films.
Additional Perspectives:
Industry insiders are praising the film's clever script and slick direction.
Fans of heist movies are eagerly anticipating the film's arrival on the big screen.
Current Status and Next Developments:
"Fuze" is set for release in theaters next month, where it will face stiff competition from other big-budget action films.
The film has been generating buzz at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it premiered earlier this week.
*Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*