Johnny Was (2005)

Johnny (Vinnie Jones), trying to escape a violent past, hides out in the world's least-safe safe house, sandwiched between a crime den run by a Jamaican gangster (Eriq LaSalle) and a pirate radio station belonging to a Rasta DJ (Lennox Lewis). When Johnny's former comrade (Patrick Bergin) escapes from prison, Johnny faces being dragged back into violence and away from his new love (Samantha Mumba). Johnny's actions ignite a simmering war on two fronts with his drug-dealing neighbor and his former boss Jimmy (Roger Daltrey). Johnny faces questions of race, morality, loyalty, and ultimately survival--played out against a great reggae sound track from legendary DJ-producer Adrian Sherwood.

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This is a good british film , likable characters . was'nt a bad rental , but only gets 3 stars from me . March 7, 2007

"If a man ain't got no roots he don't have no future."

Simply Awesome! Vinnie Jones delivered his best performance as Johnny Doyle a man struggling to get away from his past. He is absolutely convincing as a troubled former bombmaker with a conscience. I'm really starting to become a fan of his work ever since I saw him in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Their was an interesting parallel that was drawn between the forces of Irish terrorists and that of the local neighborhood druglord, Julius. Lennox Lewis' role as Ras, a Rastafarian radio DJ adds depth to the story. He has a "zen" presence that complements Eriq La Salle's character who is simply after one thing: money. The dialog was brilliant; chock full of dozens of quotable lines. I highly recommend this to anybody that enjoyed Snatch or Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. October 5, 2006

Johnny Was is a Winner

I loved this movie...terrific plot, amazing acting, casting, everything was done well. The story twists and leads to a brilliant ending, it is surely worth the fast-paced 90 minutes. Extra plus is you are a reggae fan and can appreciate an eclectic, edgy soundtrack. Highly recommended. September 30, 2006

A great brit crime flick

But this one has a different spin to it. This film shows the seedy underbelly of London like most of those hi gloss ones don't. And while Layer Cake, Lock Stock, etc. are great this film has an authenticity and feel that the others cant match. I dont know how the director got such good chemistry from this diverse cast, but all I can say is.....hats off. This is an exciting but thought provoking action/crime flick I would recommend to anyone. September 2, 2006

great British Gangster movie

If you like British Gangster movies, this one wont let you down. It's got a GREAT cast. Roger Daltrey from the Who even does a small part, as does Eriq La Salle from ER and Vinnie Jones from SNATCH and LOCK STOCK. Solid reggae throughout, lots of action seens, a few amazing car chases through europe a la Ronin... I'd rent it again on a rainy night. September 1, 2006

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