"There are definite attempts to emulate Tarantino, but Weaver merely ends up passing as a poor relative of the great director..."

Despite originally being named The Samaritan, David Weaver's latest feature has since had its name changed to Fury, to coincide with the release of Marvel's Avengers Assemble where Samuel L. Jackson stars as Nick Fury. A change in name at such a late stage and for the purposes of a rival film have already set the film off on the wrong foot, as its credibility is certainly questioned and devalued as a result.

Foley (Jackson) has just come out of prison after 25 long years following the murder of his former partner-in-crime. Yet upon his release his resolve is immediately tested as Ethan (Luke Kirby), the son of the victim, wants Foley to take part in one last grift, and to make amends for his former sins. Foley is vying for a new life however, and after falling for the lonesome drug abuser Iris (Ruth Negga), a fresh start appears likely.

But in a twisted turn of events, it soon transpires that Iris is in fact Foley's long-lost daughter and such news sends Foley off the rails. Whilst the offer from Ethan remains, Foley allows for his destructive past to catch back up with him as he decides to give it one last shot - this time the victim being wealthy gangster Xavier (Tom Wilkinson).

Weaver's picture tells a riveting story with a variety of twists and turns, but the film's greatest downfall is within it's evident low-budget. The telling of what is effectively a quite slick, neo-noir thriller just appears somewhat corny given the rather amateurish look to the film, as it suffers in a visual sense. From the camera-work to the lighting to the generic music, it all feels cut-rate and as if it belongs on Channel 5 on a Saturday night - cheapening the overall experience in what is otherwise a relatively entertaining film.

The script remains strong though, bearing a host of classy one-liners throughout. Although the majority of the memorable lines are said by Jackson which does beg the question; are they actually well-written, or can he just make anything sound good? This being the same man who has made a simple conversation about European fast food establishments some of the most quotable lines in cinematic history.

Jackson excels in the lead role, making a pleasant change for an actor who seems to have become limited to cameo roles of late. He portrays a side to him we often don't see, as usually he is a killer with little heart, merciless in his approach. Yet in Fury he shows remorse for his actions and genuine humility. But despite this he remains as cool as he ever has done - older, fatter and greyer, but the man is still cooler than I could ever wish to be. Negga is also impressive as the highly unstable and vulnerable Iris.

Fury is an enjoyable film if you allow for it to be. It's somewhat overstated and takes one or two turns too many, but given the right approach it's certainly a film you can sit back and enjoy. Sometimes it does get perhaps too silly though, and the ending suffers from attempting just too much. There are definite attempts to emulate Tarantino, but Weaver merely ends up passing as a poor relative of the great director. 

I was recently made aware of the fact that as an actor, Jackson has grossed the most money in box office sales than any other actor has ever managed in the history of film-making. A rather interesting fact, yet if Jackson continues to make films similar to Fury, it's a perch he'll soon be knocked off and a fact which may no longer exist.