Hell's Gate (2007)

This is a very unassuming movie. It doesn't help that the short trailer gives away nothing. On first watch you may be put off by the very obviousness of the Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs influences - but such similarities are superficial, and the movie does promptly become its own thing. There's basically only four characters, which allows for a greater focus on characterization instead of a more complex plot. The dialogue is thankfully quite well written for a small indie production, and eloquently delivered by the mysterious Mr Nobody character in particular I might add. We get some chit-chat about Jewel vs Alanis Morissette from one of the ex-con characters which doesn't seem relevant at first (appearing like just another Tarantino imitation), but later becomes a nice surprise when he expounds on how it relates to his outlook on women. But perhaps I've said too much. The story is well-paced throughout, with a compelling set up, surprising events, and a degree of mystery. Some strong performances by the cast of unknowns, we have a solid, enjoyable and engrossing crime thriller.