BASTILLE DAY

An unlikely partnership develops when American pick-pocket Michael Mason (Games of Thrones’ Richard Madden) picks the wrong pocket and is coerced into joining forces with disgraced CIA agent Sean Briar (Idris Elba). They embark on an anti-terrorist mission in Paris on the eve of Basille Day (French National Day), which leads to corrupt activity at the head of French intelligence.

This crime-thriller is a welcoming ninety minutes of pure octane-charged and action-packed escapism, boasting an unlikely but riveting storyline with many twists which should captivate enthusiasts of this style of film.

The process of filming with hand-held cameras adds to the reality and intensifies the experience, further fuelled by the death-defying stunt work and high body count.

One might say this is a perfect date movie which caters for both genders – whilst the menfolk are savouring the adrenalin-pumping action, the women are relishing each moment hunk Richard Madden appears on screen.

Produced as a stand-alone film, but hopefully the likeable alliance of these two refreshing characters spawns a sequel. (MMo)

***1/2