A Gangster's Life

A dark comedy crime feature written and directed by Zak Fenning and starring Tony Cook, Jonny Weldon, Christina Gkioka and Tomi May. This film is based on a story by Roy Rivett.

Ant (Cook) and Dick (Weldon), two small-time crooks in London find themselves in deep trouble when they are caught using a software program of their on creation to scam Emery (May), a ruthless crime lord. Although enraged, Emery decides to take advantage of their illicit computer system for his own illegal activities. However, Ant and Dick, along with the discreet help of Scarlett (Rina Lipa), an ambitious criminal who is part of Emery's crew, decide to double-cross him again to flee to Greece, where they take shelter in a villa where Ant's welcoming partner, Thea (Gkioka) lives.

The first half or so of this amusing crime-comedy takes place in England, with Ant, Dick and Scarlett cautiously working on turning the tables on Emery, while trying not to get killed by his henchmen, particularly Clarkey (Bradley Turner), a rather nasty guy. The rest takes place in Greece, particularly at the villa, situated near Athens, where a fish-out-of-water situation takes place, as Ant and Dick attempt to adjust to a new life and leave their troubled past behind. Unsurprisingly, the atmosphere much more light-hearted while they are in that Mediterranean country, away from thugs and the two guys adjust to their new surroundings and try to learn the language. Also unsurprisingly, since this is a story that involves dangerous criminals, there is plenty of nastiness occurring, with people being beaten and shot dead, but there is also a great deal of dark humour.

Recognition is to be addressed to the directing during the scenes that take place in Greece, as it contains terrific shots that reveal the beauty of the areas. The addition of Greek music was a great idea, as it creates a sense of being in Greece.

Cook and Weldon are entertaining as two outlaws looking for a fresh start, Dick perhaps being the naive and insecure one. There are plenty of nasty guys, with Turner and Yannis Aivazis standing out, the former playing a talkative and homicidal crook and the latter oozing menace by being calm and saying less. However, when it comes to being menacing, May takes the gold, portraying a crime boss who has a vertical scar across his eye, like Tony in Scarface and has people tortured and executed on a regural basis.

Obviously, this is a story about the underworld, particularly scamming, cybercrime, betrayal, retaliation and murder. From another perspective, it is also about starting a new life, self-reflection, finding romance and experiencing another culture. The film also offers a simple but appealing image about life in Greece.

Two minor wrongdoers attempting to start over. Funny moments, tense moments and meaningful moments make this feature a viewing worth experiencing.

A Gangster's Life is on digital 19 January from Miracle Media.