Quick Review: Fifty Dead Men Walking (2009)

FIFTY DEAD MEN WALKING

BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
NOVEMBER 3, 2013

Delving into a true-life story of an IRA infiltration, “Fifty Dead Men Walking” is well-acted and mostly engaging but does little to differentiate itself from any of the films in its genre. Unless this subject matter thoroughly interests you or unless you’re die-hard fans of Jim Sturgess or Ben Kingsley, chances are this film will be a little to politically charged to hold your attention. Although Sturgess and Kingsley are both at the top of their games in these roles, the script never quite catches up to them. The story does take some appreciated turns, however, including Martin’s (Sturgess) devotion to his baby’s mother Lara (Natalie Press), even when presented with the distraction of Grace, played by the rather surprising Rose McGowan, who captivates in a way unseen in over a decade. Never quite finding its voice and never quite rising above a crime drama, “Fifty Dead Men Walking” is rather predictable, leaving little room for suspense or even curiosity for what happens next.

RELEASE DATE
September 10, 2008

DIRECTOR
Kari Skogland

WRITTEN BY
Kari Skogland

STUDIO
Phase 4 Films

R
(for strong brutal violence and torture, language and some sexuality)

CRIME
DRAMA
THRILLER
117 minutes