Free Fire

No subtext is found in writer-director Ben Wheatley's comic exercise in bloodletting that features a high body count. Set during the 1970s—which allows for plenty of outlandish outfits and outrageous hair styles (and the absence of cell phones, which would ruin the entire premise)—Free Fire is essentially one long shootout in an abandoned warehouse between two gangs of thugs: a group of gun-runners and some prospective IRA buyers. After some initial haggling between slimy seller Vernon (Sharlto Copley) and businesslike purchaser Chris (Cillian Murphy) over the quality of the arms, a coincidental past slight sets off an altercation between two of their underlings, escalating into a prolonged exchange of gunfire in which everybody seems to be shooting at everybody else while delivering quips in the quiet between salvos. The proceedings become even more confused when a couple of anonymous snipers show up in the rafters targeting both groups indiscriminately. Wheatley's inspiration is clearly Quentin Tarantino, but he lacks the latter's gift for piquant dialogue and fanciful action choreography. Still, this grindhouse throwback—which also features Oscar-winner Brie Larson—may hold some appeal for action fans, making it a strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Ben Wheatley, and a “making-of” featurette (16 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an intermittently engaging shoot-‘em-up.] (F. Swietek)