Triggermen

Triggermen is a 2002 crime-comedy film that plays with elements of mistaken identity, organized crime, and a fortuitous caper gone chaotic. Directed by John Bradshaw, the film paints a portrait of accidental involvement in the criminal underworld, set against the backdrop of the bustling city of Chicago.

The storyline follows two small-time British crooks, Pete Maynard (played by Neil Morrissey) and Andy Jarrett (played by Adrian Dunbar) who, while trying to make ends meet, stumble upon what they believe is a quick route to easy riches. The duo inadvertently gets their hands on a suitcase filled with mob cash, intended for a pair of professional hitmen. This discovery sets them off on an unexpected journey that is both dangerous and comically bizarre.

Pete Postlethwaite, widely recognized for his powerful screen presence, takes the role of Ben Cutler, a seasoned crime boss whose menacing demeanor belies a sharp strategic mind. Cutler is expecting his money to fund a high-stakes hit and his impatience and growing suspicion add tension to the narrative as he attempts to track down his wayward funds.

Bill MacDonald plays one of the professional hitmen, Tommy O'Brian, who, along with his partner, is supposed to receive the funds Pete and Andy have found. O'Brian, is a no-nonsense character whose planning is thrown into disarray by the mix-up. The hitmen are cold, calculating, and unforgiving, contrasting sharply with the hapless and largely incompetent British duo, setting up a cat-and-mouse game throughout the film.

As Pete and Andy delve deeper into the pleasures their newfound wealth can buy, they are unwittingly dragged into conflict with Cutler's syndicate. The naivety and innocence with which they handle the situation bring a light-heartedness to the often dark and violent world of crime, providing steady comedic relief. Throughout the film, they interact with a host of quirky characters from the Chicago underworld, each encounter ratcheting up the stakes and the misunderstandings.

Critical to the film's comedic tone is the strong supporting cast who flesh out the world of Triggermen. Characters such as Emma Cutler, played by Amanda Plummer, bring additional layers to the narrative, providing the personal connections and emotional stakes that round out the high-octane plot dynamics.

The plot is tightly interwoven, with numerous twists and double-crosses that keep the audience guessing as to how Pete and Andy might maneuver through this high-stakes predicament. The question is not only whether they can keep their heads above water in a world they don't understand but if they can manage to walk away with the money and their lives intact.

Quintessential of early 2000s comedies, Triggermen bridges themes of morality and consequence with comedic happenstance. The charm of the film lies in its blend of British humor and American gangster tropes, creating a cross-cultural exchange that is both refreshing and engaging. The comedic mishaps serve as a counterbalance to the darker elements of the crime plot, maintaining a levity that makes the film an accessible entry into the crime genre.

Visually, the film captures the essence of Chicago, with its gritty streets and sharp skyline providing a fitting backdrop for a story of small-time crooks clashing with big-time mobsters. The cinematography makes use of dynamic camera work and an attention to framing that complements the film's narrative pacing, heightening moments of tension and releasing it with comedic timing.

As is common in crime-comedies, the soundtrack plays a pivotal role in Triggermen, punctuating the action and enhancing the emotional beats of the film. From tense, atmospheric pieces during moments of danger to lighter, jaunty tracks during comedic escapades, the music helps to cohesively bind the story's disparate elements.

At its heart, Triggermen is about chance, chaos, and the unpredictable nature of life. The characters, while exaggerated and sometimes over-the-top, are drawn with enough sincerity to ground their outrageous predicaments in a semblance of reality. By movie's end, the audience has been taken on a madcap journey that serves up both laughs and thrills.

In an era where the overlap of comedy and crime was a popular cinematic trend, Triggermen stands tall with its clever script, charismatic performances, and a premise that plays with expectation and coincidence in equal measure. While it may not be as widely known as other films in its genre, it provides entertainment, suspense, and a good dose of humor for those who fancy a light-hearted crime caper with heart.