You know what the funny thing is about this movie? I literally watched one trailer, and I saw one recognizable actor (Shia LeBeouf) and I went from there. He’s one of those actors that I’ll just go watch a movie specifically because I know that he can act; don’t be fooled by the transformers movies, I’ve been watching this guy since Even Stevens. He’s got skill.

Aside from that little nugget, this movie is based on a true story about a family in 1930s Virginia that were Bootleggers during Prohibition (A period of time when the consumption and sale of alcohol was illegal). Jake, Forrest & Howard Bondurant all had different mentalities, different strengths, but they all have their common link – blood is thicker than water, and they’ll always defend each other.

This movie had it all – a good story, great acting, action, character development, and even subtle humour when it wasn’t even meant to be there. Tom Hardy wasn’t exactly the main focus of the movie, but he helped drive it because of the aura that he gave off playing Forrest. He may not have spoken much, but he was an enforcer. Shia’s character was the main focus, basically because he was the runt of the pack and just wanted to prove that he was more than just a fetching boy.

Gary Oldman was in the movie for a bit, and I thought he would have a bigger role, but I like the fact that the movie just involved the brothers and their story dealing with the corrupt cops and trying to make their way through the underground world of Bootlegging and taking those risks, evading police, and dealing with the people who will try to stick you for your paper (Thank you Notorious B.I.G). Straight up, I enjoyed this movie, and I didn’t really see anything that was legitimately wrong with it. It kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat for the whole time. Shia is great at playing a serious role but always seems to spin humour into it; that’s what I love about him as an actor – he can make light of dark situations and you draw into his character emotionally.

Tom Hardy’s exposure has grown RAPIDLY in so many movies and the fact that he’s becoming more and more recognizable it a great testament to his talent. From ‘Rock N’ Rolla’ to ‘Inception’ and most recently ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, you can throw him into any role, and he’ll make something great out of it. Tell me I’m lying, because I know for a fact that I’m saying the 100% truth. Another great performance by him.

Guy Pearce is one of those people that play roles in movies that you just HATE! He has that face that you just want to punch, and right as his character is introduced, you know he’s a bad man and you just get a bad taste in your mouth. Mind you, he does a good job being the bad guy, but I just hate him. I’ve hated him since he played Fernand in ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ (one of my favourite movies of ALL TIME), but there’s no denying that he’s a good actor.

The way people lived back in the simple days wasn’t always the easiest, but I like how it portrayed struggle and success during those times and that you could always make something out of nothing. Everyone wanted a piece of the slice, but you had to pay to get your way in. When you have something that everyone wants and you won’t sell out, then of course people will turn on you. This movie showed exactly what happens when that backfires and people get rebellious. It’s a great movie that showed off all dynamics.

I loved this movie, and it’s one of the best (if not the best) movie I’ve watched all year thus far. It’s one of those sleeper movies that you don’t expect much of, but it ends up amazing you in the end. To quote Xavier, because he tweeted it best

That’s My Word & It STiXX