FILM REVIEW: THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY

It's very rare for an intelligent, smooth, adult thriller to come along that manages to be intense and clever at the same time. Great performances from all three central cast members really make this story believable, even in it's simplicity. Rydel is a tour guide in Athens. He's also a bit of a con man, using tourists to make a bit of money by using language skills to his advantage. American couple Chester and Colette meet Rydel and he takes them around Athens. After a fun evening turns dramatic, Rydel gets caught up in Chester's past and tries to help the couple whilst trying to restrain his attraction to Colette. Right from the beginning of the film, there is not a moment wasted. Every shot, every line of dialogue and every character in the film is present for as long as it needs to be. Nothing is drawn or dragged out, neither is it wasted or unnecessary. Everything has a purpose and it results in an extremely unpredictable and tight story that keeps the tension until it's final scene. With the blockbusters keeping on coming, it's a shame The Two Faces of January won't have a chance to shine but that shouldn't stop anyone from going to see one of the best films of the year so far. Rating: 4.5/5 Barry Mowatt