Level Up (2016)

A fast-paced, high concept thriller following a 20 something layabout, who over the course of a day, is forced to make his way across an increasingly strange and sinister London, in order to save his kidnapped girlfriend.

Director:

Adam Randall

Writers:

Andrew Orr (based on an idea by), Adam Randall

Stars:

Josh Bowman, Neil Maskell, William Houston

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Josh Bowman	...	Matt
Neil Maskell	...	Dmitri
William Houston	...	The Businessman
Kulvinder Ghir	...	Osman
Ben Bailey Smith	...	Joel (as Doc Brown)
Leila Mimmack	...	Anna
Christina Wolfe	...	Kya
Paul Reynolds	...	Taxi Driver
Cameron Jack	...	Calvin
Jonathan Arkwright	...	Sean
Leon Annor	...	Keon
Oliver Jackson	...	Spray Man
Craig Rogan	...	Running Man
Pamela Binns	...	Old Lady
Okorie Chukwu	...	Hoodie

Storyline

MATT and ANNA are a young couple living in London. Anna is starting her career and knows what she wants, whilst Matt is still struggling to find his purpose in life. On the surface they are happy but tensions are beginning to mount. Then one morning masked thugs break into the flat and kidnap Anna before assaulting Matt, locking him into a mysterious vest and leaving him a mobile phone. Matt is told the vest contains a package which he must deliver by following instructions issued to him via the mobile phone. If he fails, tries to seek help, or deviates from their instructions, they will kill Anna. Over the course of one day Matt has to make his way across London in a desperate bid to save his girlfriend as a host of characters attempt to derail him from his mission.

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Taglines:

One life remaining.

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Genres:

Action | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Connections

References Get Hard (2015)

User Reviews

6-7/10 The Game (1997) meets Run Lola Run (1998) etc

In short: This is "The Game (1997)" adapted to the society we live in now (1984) with some extra (read; unnecessary) layers that makes it feel a little as inception. It tries to be several things, and it does quite a decent job at it. This is not a bad movie and for me it is a strong 6.

In long: The lighting is good, the editing is alright and you can't fault the soundscore. It really only misses a binding soundtrack and using one would negate the feel of reality of the movie (though urgency can be expressed with music quite well - Run Lola Run 1998, which is likely to be another movie that has inspired this movie).

The downside is that it has a somewhat weak ending (where the several layers come in and a badly hid undertone about who's surveilling the ones doing the surveillance in the first place) - which is out of place even though it is in line with the message - question what the reality is and how you affect it.

Pro's • Cast (unknown which is in line with the plot line) • Action sequences (and not forcing it on the movie every time possible) • Rationality is alright and better depicting the notion of what manipulation of actions has the potential to do.

Con's • Messy ending • Could build tension better • Acting performances aren't top notch ALL the time (which is important in building tension and urgency)

End notes: Not top notch but overall a solid watch.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Twitter

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 August 2016 (USA)

Also Known As:

Level Up

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

GBP400,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$1,469

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$24,083

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fulwell 73, Independent, Quickfire Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

84 min

Color:

Color