There's an opinion that Idris Elba would make a good James Bond, and although this is different in context, Bastille Day might just be the closest thing. It's a thriller based on espionage set on beautiful city of Paris, offering a few layers of subplots which unfortunately not equal in effectiveness. It does succeeds in a simpler scale where the actors are given more spotlight either it's from action or occasional comedy.
Story mainly follows Michael (Richard Madden), a pickpocket who unluckily stumbles upon a package of bomb meant for terrorist attack. He's then chased by various parties for a crime much worse than he actually committed. Among them is Briar (Idris Elba) who eventually uncovers something amiss which leads him into a much bigger conspiracy.
The main duo has more chemistry than expected. Michael is a skilled pickpocket, although he's younger and seemingly more gullible when faced with more extreme threat. Briar takes the mantle of senior officer with shady track record who has a tendency of going rogue based on his instinct alone. One of the correct things the movie does right is showcasing them in their fields, not in all out brawl.
It also gives a few comedic moments that surprisingly presentable, the addition of Charlotte Le Bon as Zoe, the unintentional accomplice, rounds up the ragtag crew. At latter end, this eclectic party is a good choice for protagonist perspective. However, it often delivers the plot in rather complicated route, shifting between one set piece to another without smooth transition.
There are moments where the characters run or drive around in the city sporadically. If it's to push the plot, then the scene could've been incorporated with better flow. The movie soon treads on terrorism subplot, but it clearly doesn't have the large production to pull off such city wide mayhem. Aside from a few gorgeous use of choreography, the movie mainly plays out in typical apartments or hideouts.
The better parts come from small scale fights and chases. These are better choreographed, it presents more tactical approach, especially in subtle motions that the visual cleverly tell. The action could have less cuts, but it's produced with focus as audience could follow the motion easily.
Ambitious in its deception, the espionage / buddy cop gig works better in modest scope.
Story mainly follows Michael (Richard Madden), a pickpocket who unluckily stumbles upon a package of bomb meant for terrorist attack. He's then chased by various parties for a crime much worse than he actually committed. Among them is Briar (Idris Elba) who eventually uncovers something amiss which leads him into a much bigger conspiracy.
The main duo has more chemistry than expected. Michael is a skilled pickpocket, although he's younger and seemingly more gullible when faced with more extreme threat. Briar takes the mantle of senior officer with shady track record who has a tendency of going rogue based on his instinct alone. One of the correct things the movie does right is showcasing them in their fields, not in all out brawl.
It also gives a few comedic moments that surprisingly presentable, the addition of Charlotte Le Bon as Zoe, the unintentional accomplice, rounds up the ragtag crew. At latter end, this eclectic party is a good choice for protagonist perspective. However, it often delivers the plot in rather complicated route, shifting between one set piece to another without smooth transition.
There are moments where the characters run or drive around in the city sporadically. If it's to push the plot, then the scene could've been incorporated with better flow. The movie soon treads on terrorism subplot, but it clearly doesn't have the large production to pull off such city wide mayhem. Aside from a few gorgeous use of choreography, the movie mainly plays out in typical apartments or hideouts.
The better parts come from small scale fights and chases. These are better choreographed, it presents more tactical approach, especially in subtle motions that the visual cleverly tell. The action could have less cuts, but it's produced with focus as audience could follow the motion easily.
Ambitious in its deception, the espionage / buddy cop gig works better in modest scope.