New Blood
by David Stratton
Cannes, France (Variety) - This first time effort from 25 year old British writer-director Michael Hurst is an efficient, terse, violent thriller that takes itself pretty seriously and boasts fancy plotting incorporating a few twists and turns. Though destined to be a modest theatrical earner, the film could have a long life on video.
Plot kicks off with badly wounded businessman Alan White (a tired looking John Hurt) in the hospital explaining to the cops what happened to him.
The night before, his estranged son, Danny (Nick Moran), turned up, bleeding from a gunshot wound, and offered his father a proposition: Danny's twin sister is dying, and urgently needs a heart transplant; he offers his heart in exchange for his father's participation in a plan that will almost certainly prove fatal for the old man.
More flashbacks reveal Danny and his buddies, who have been involved win car theft, reluctantly agreeing to work for the mysterious Mr. Ryan (ERG), who wants Williams (Rob Freeman) a reclusive businessman, kidnapped and held for ransom. The young wannabe gangsters aren't told that the mark is closely guarded by armed men, and that the kidnap is likely to be a bloody affair.
The kidnap victim doesn't survive, but Danny, knowing that Ryan has never actually seen Williams, proposes his father take the dead man's place, even though he's sure Ryan plans to kill Williams.
It's a convoluted setup for what's basically a standard thriller, but thanks to persuasive performances from Hurt and especially Moran, it just about works.
Michael Hurst tends to wallow in the violence, but there's enough action and suspense in "New Blood" to keep most fans happy. The presence of "Matrix" star Carrie-Anne Moss is a big asset. Supporting players all give solid performances.
Pic is a little dark, but otherwise technically proficient.
Alan White......John Hurt
Danny White.......Nick Moran
Leigh.....Carri-Anne Moss
Valentine......Shawn Wayans
Hellman.......Joe Pantoliano
Lawrence.......Gouchy Boy
Mr. Ryan......ERG
Lt. Caldercourt.....Richard Fitzpatrick
Frayerling......Alan Peterson
Robert Williams.......Rob Freeman
Yin Yang......Arthur Eng
Webster......Alex Karzis
A Lions Gate (in Canada)/Screenland Pictures release of a Scanbox Intl. presentation of an Applecreek Communications/Spice Factory Ltd. production. Produced by Jason Piette, Andy Emilio. Executive Prod, Michael Cowan.
Directed, written by Michael Hurts. Camera (color), David Pelletier; editor, Michael Doherty; music, Jeff Danna; production designer, Ian Hall; costume designer, Sharon McDonell; casting, Carol Dudley, Jeff Marshall. Reviewed at Cannes Film Festival May 19, 1999.