Redirected

Redirected is a 2014 British-Lithuanian gangster comedy film directed by Emilis Vėlyvis and starring a dynamic cast, including Hollywood veteran and former professional football player Vinnie Jones, alongside Scot Williams and Gil Darnell. Known for its dark humor, lively performances, and fast-paced narrative, Redirected weaves an intricate and compelling story that manages to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

The film starts with Vinnie Jones, who embodied the role of Golden Pole, an uncompromising East London gangster and gambling lounge proprietor. Subverting his typical hard-man personas, Jones exhibits a quirky, almost comedic persona that brings in humor to the intense plot.

Scot Williams plays the lead role of Michael - an everyman character caught up in extraordinary, and usually dangerous, circumstances. A promising accountant, Michael is drowned in the shady world of underground criminal activity on the eve of relocating to a new country with his girlfriend. Besides Williams’ exceptional performance, the character of Michael stands as a relatable figure, thrown into chaotic life situations and figuring things out on the go.

Gil Darnell plays the role of greedy and hot-headed Ben, who, along with two other friends, John and Tim, wrap Michael into a dangerous plot of robbing Golden Pole. Ben's character is persistently unpredictable, swinging from comical hilarity to brutal intensity in an instant. Darnell portrays Ben in such a way that it’s hard to predict what his next move might be, which adds a layer of surprise and suspense.

The story takes a dramatic twist when the easy cash grab they had planned doesn't go as smoothly as they had hoped. Tempers flare, loyalties shift, and tensions rise when their escape plan goes haywire as an ash cloud from a volcanic eruption redirects their flight home to Lithuania instead of their planned destination.

The teaser of 'Hangover in Eastern Europe' was not far off the mark, as the movie's narrative dovetails into a quasi-survival journey through the ‘wild-east’ of post-Soviet Europe. Dealing with all sorts of elements on the foreign land - notorious criminals, trigger-happy policemen, angry taxi drivers, and an unhinged golden-haired groom, our four protagonists are in for a ride of their lifetime. Each scene presents a new sequence of unexpected dilemmas and the characters must rely on their wit and camaraderie to extricate themselves from sticky situations, all the while Golden Pole is hot on their trail, looking for his robbers and his stolen money.

The characteristic use of dark humor against a backdrop of an otherwise dangerous underworld perfectly blends the intensity of crime with the light-hearted relief of comedy. The chaotic, yet, humorous trip through Lithuanian locales gives a unique cultural perspective and rustic charm to the movie, alongside the captivating storyline.

Enhancing the plot are aspects of cinematography that capture the dense aura of an Eastern European backdrop, bringing attention to every intricate detail. The brilliant use of certain motifs, colors, and stylized filming techniques in Redirected grab the viewer’s attention and make the movie a visually appealing experience.

Redirected combines the urgency of heist thrillers, the chaos of classic road movies, and the charm of dark comedy in a seamless blend. The unique storyline, exaggerated characterization, unpredictable plot twists, and unexpected humor create a memorable cinematic experience. Particularly noteworthy is its ability to evoke constant laughter, even while depicting a life-and-death cat-and-mouse chase that spans through multiple countries.

The performances by the cast, along with their distinct characters and interesting plot pool, makes this film an unforgettable watch. Redirected is a rare example of an action-comedy film strength that continues to surprise and entertain the audience in the most unexpected ways. Whether it is the relatable plight of an innocent man, the hilarious hijinks of a trio of robbers, or the menacing charm of an East London gangster, the film ensures a complete entertainment package, leaving its viewers thoroughly diverted and entertained.