Based on the comic book series and novels by Philippe Francq and Jean Van Hamme, Largo Winch Deadly Revenge is a bit of a multi-national affair, with a cast brought together from across the globe to start what the makers are obviously hoping will be a Bourne meet Bond style franchise.
Following the death of billionaire Nerio Winch, theres uncertainty over who will inherit his business empire. However it turns out Nerio had a well hidden secret. 30-years before, he adopted an Eastern European orphan, Largo, who is his heir. However Largo has a few problems of his own, as the globe-trotting adventurer, assassin and playboy has been thrown into an Amazonian jail for drug smuggling. Now he must get out, avenge his fathers death and see off the jackals who are circling round his newly inherited W Group empire, who dont seem to think Largo should be allowed to take over.
A Largo Winch movie was first mooted in the 1980s, with the hope of being able to turn it into something to rival James Bond. Now, more than 20 years later, we finally get a film, and I think its safe to say 007s crown is safe, even if Deadly Revenge hints that it might have a strong future.
You cannot fault the movie for trying, but too often it comes up short. The film is great in fits and starts. There are some extremely well put together and fairly visceral action scenes and some of the plot machinations which get ever more complicated as the movie goes on are pretty fun. However it never really gels together, with long stretches that feel dull and ill thought out compared to the rest. Indeed, its almost as if so much time has been spent focussing on key sequences, such as the great all-action opening, that nobody really considered the bits in-between.
The likes of Benedict Wong and Kristen Scott Thomas show up, but theyre onboard more as window dressing than anything else. German actor Tomer Sisley does a great job as the oddly named title character though. He alone keeps the movie motoring, ensuring that even when the plot is getting too complicated or the pace becomes slow and the filmmaking rather sloppy, hes a pretty dynamic force at the centre of the film. He has a particularly tough job as the character of Largo is a bit of an enigma, which is obviously done deliberately, but can be a little frustrating.
The impression I came away with is that this is a great advert for a potential film franchise, even if its tough to recommend as a film in its own right. Theres a lot in here that suggests the filmmakers knew exactly what could have made this an excellent action adventure, going for a mix of boardroom thriller and Bourne style action, but too much tedium that doesnt entertain between excellent key sequences mars the overall viewing experience.
This could have been great, so lets hope that the team behind the movie have learned their lessons from Largo Winch when they come to make the upcoming sequel, The Burma Conspiracy, which will even find room for a cameo from Sharon Stone.
Overall Verdict: Despite some great set-pieces and ball busting action, and lack of focus and attention between these means Largo Winch doesnt really hang together.
Special Features:
Trailer
Reviewer: Tim Isaac