Derided by critics but with a long shelf life, the Essex Boys gangster films follow in a very long tradition, says Geoffrey Macnab, who looks back at the history of the genre...
- 8/15/2017
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- The Independent - Film
Kirsten Howard Aug 8, 2017
Producer Jonathan Sothcott talks about running an independent film company in the UK, finding the right project and a post-Brexit industry.
Jonathan Sothcott has had a hand in producing a whole lot of independent films here in the UK over the last decade. You may have even seen a fair few of them yourself, especially if you’re a Danny Dyer completest.
See related Game Of Thrones season 6 recap Game Of Thrones spinoffs: HBO not keen to "overexploit it” Game Of Thrones: 8 ideas for prequel spinoffs
He’s the man behind Hereford Films, the production and financing company he runs with partner Damien Morley. If that name rings a bell, it might well be because Morley owns a modelling agency that takes care of most of the Page 3 girls, and the entrepreneur has even recently launched a bid to buy the Page 3 brand off The Sun himself.
Producer Jonathan Sothcott talks about running an independent film company in the UK, finding the right project and a post-Brexit industry.
Jonathan Sothcott has had a hand in producing a whole lot of independent films here in the UK over the last decade. You may have even seen a fair few of them yourself, especially if you’re a Danny Dyer completest.
See related Game Of Thrones season 6 recap Game Of Thrones spinoffs: HBO not keen to "overexploit it” Game Of Thrones: 8 ideas for prequel spinoffs
He’s the man behind Hereford Films, the production and financing company he runs with partner Damien Morley. If that name rings a bell, it might well be because Morley owns a modelling agency that takes care of most of the Page 3 girls, and the entrepreneur has even recently launched a bid to buy the Page 3 brand off The Sun himself.
- 7/18/2017
- Den of Geek
The Only Way Is Essex star Gemma Collins has defended Dan Osborne, saying that she would like to see him back on the ITVBe show.
Osborne was axed earlier this year following the leak of a recording which allegedly features him threatening to stab ex-girlfriend Megan Tomlin.
However, Collins described death threats as a "normal thing" in Essex.
"Dan is one of the loveliest guys I've met," she told The Sun. "People say things in temper. If you live in Essex, that's what all the boys say to their girlfriends.
"That's Essex boys for you. I have had boyfriends say to me if I leave them they will kill me. In Essex, it's a normal thing.
"Affairs of the heart are the most stressful things ever, and I believe when he was saying those things, he was very much in love with Megan."
Collins added: "There are two sides to every story,...
Osborne was axed earlier this year following the leak of a recording which allegedly features him threatening to stab ex-girlfriend Megan Tomlin.
However, Collins described death threats as a "normal thing" in Essex.
"Dan is one of the loveliest guys I've met," she told The Sun. "People say things in temper. If you live in Essex, that's what all the boys say to their girlfriends.
"That's Essex boys for you. I have had boyfriends say to me if I leave them they will kill me. In Essex, it's a normal thing.
"Affairs of the heart are the most stressful things ever, and I believe when he was saying those things, he was very much in love with Megan."
Collins added: "There are two sides to every story,...
- 6/9/2015
- Digital Spy
Mark Wright wept as he married Michelle Keegan yesterday (24.05.15). The 28-year-old former 'The Only Way Is Essex' star cried with joy when he saw his beautiful 27-year-old bride walking down the aisle in an ivory strapless dress at St Mary's Church, in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, despite her arriving 30 minutes late. An insider told The Sun newspaper: ''He was very wobbly standing at the altar. There was nervousness in the air, but when she arrived a tear streamed down his cheek and his face was beaming. ''She didn't cry though, as Northern lasses don't get as soppy as Essex boys. They...
- 5/25/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Exclusive: Vampire action film written by Danny King (Wild Bill).
UK production outfit Evolution Pictures is readying a number of features including actor Jason Flemyng’s directorial debut Reign Of Blood, a vampire action film written by Danny King, BAFTA-nominated in 2011 for drama Wild Bill.
Production is set to begin in summer 2015 with casting currently underway.
Flemyng is best known for roles in Guy Ritchie films Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, blockbusters including X-Men: First Class and Clash of the Titans, and more recent features Gemma Bovary and Sunshine on Leith. He also starred in Will Bill.
Also on the slate for Evolution, run by COO Rod Smith, is We Still Steal The Old Way, a sequel to last year’s crime-thriller We Still Kill The Old Way, directed by Sacha Bennett.
A number of the original cast, which included Steven Berkoff, Ian Ogilvy and Dani Dyer, are set to...
UK production outfit Evolution Pictures is readying a number of features including actor Jason Flemyng’s directorial debut Reign Of Blood, a vampire action film written by Danny King, BAFTA-nominated in 2011 for drama Wild Bill.
Production is set to begin in summer 2015 with casting currently underway.
Flemyng is best known for roles in Guy Ritchie films Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, blockbusters including X-Men: First Class and Clash of the Titans, and more recent features Gemma Bovary and Sunshine on Leith. He also starred in Will Bill.
Also on the slate for Evolution, run by COO Rod Smith, is We Still Steal The Old Way, a sequel to last year’s crime-thriller We Still Kill The Old Way, directed by Sacha Bennett.
A number of the original cast, which included Steven Berkoff, Ian Ogilvy and Dani Dyer, are set to...
- 1/28/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
New films on Screenbase this week include a film about Valérie Trierweiler and a Hungarian drama set to star Michael Nyqvist.Romarin Films’ Thank You For This Moment
Saida Jawad’s Romarin Films is set to produce a feature, currently in development, about Valérie Trierweiler’s relationship with French president François Hollande.
A shoot date is as yet undetermined.
Balint Kenyeres’s Hier
Young Hungarian auteur Kenyeres is about to direct his debut feature—starring Michael Nyqvist—about a wealthy businessman who goes to North Africa, where he is suddenly overwhelmed by memories of his youth.
The $1.2m film will shoot in Morocco this spring. Kenyeres made a name for himself at Cannes in 2009 with his short History of Aviation.
Bonded By Blood sequel
The sequel to UK 2010 drama will welcome new cast, as well as former actors reprising their roles. The screenplay is based on the crime book Essex Boys: The New Generation by Bernard...
Saida Jawad’s Romarin Films is set to produce a feature, currently in development, about Valérie Trierweiler’s relationship with French president François Hollande.
A shoot date is as yet undetermined.
Balint Kenyeres’s Hier
Young Hungarian auteur Kenyeres is about to direct his debut feature—starring Michael Nyqvist—about a wealthy businessman who goes to North Africa, where he is suddenly overwhelmed by memories of his youth.
The $1.2m film will shoot in Morocco this spring. Kenyeres made a name for himself at Cannes in 2009 with his short History of Aviation.
Bonded By Blood sequel
The sequel to UK 2010 drama will welcome new cast, as well as former actors reprising their roles. The screenplay is based on the crime book Essex Boys: The New Generation by Bernard...
- 1/9/2015
- by maud.le-rest@sciencespo-toulouse.net (Maud Le Rest)
- ScreenDaily
EastEnders star Sam Strike has joined the cast of Bonded By Blood 2.
The 20-year-old will star in the Greg Hall-directed crime sequel following his recent departure from the BBC soap.
The film - based on Bernard O'Mahoney's book Essex Boys: The New Generation - focuses on the Essex crime scene after the murders of Pat Tate, Tony Tucker and Craig Rolfe in 1995.
Strike posted about the project on Twitter earlier today (January 5), and was swiftly congratulated by his former on-screen father Danny Dyer.
@SamStrike @BondedByBlood2 @leemorgan_mgnt Now it begins my boy.x #bullbythehorns
— Danny Dyer (@MrDDyer) January 5, 2015
Strike's final scenes as Johnny Carter aired shortly before Christmas, as the youngster decided to go travelling with his boyfriend.
Bonded By Blood 2 also stars George Russo (Turnout), Josh Myers (Green Street 3) Mark Harris (Anuvahood) and Dani Dyer (Vendetta), daughter of Danny.
Chris Ellison (We Still Kill the Old Way...
The 20-year-old will star in the Greg Hall-directed crime sequel following his recent departure from the BBC soap.
The film - based on Bernard O'Mahoney's book Essex Boys: The New Generation - focuses on the Essex crime scene after the murders of Pat Tate, Tony Tucker and Craig Rolfe in 1995.
Strike posted about the project on Twitter earlier today (January 5), and was swiftly congratulated by his former on-screen father Danny Dyer.
@SamStrike @BondedByBlood2 @leemorgan_mgnt Now it begins my boy.x #bullbythehorns
— Danny Dyer (@MrDDyer) January 5, 2015
Strike's final scenes as Johnny Carter aired shortly before Christmas, as the youngster decided to go travelling with his boyfriend.
Bonded By Blood 2 also stars George Russo (Turnout), Josh Myers (Green Street 3) Mark Harris (Anuvahood) and Dani Dyer (Vendetta), daughter of Danny.
Chris Ellison (We Still Kill the Old Way...
- 1/5/2015
- Digital Spy
Exclusive: Crime drama from Richwater Films to shoot this month.
Filming commences this month on the sequel to 2010 UK home entertainment success Bonded By Blood.
Based on the crime book Essex Boys: The New Generation by Bernard O’Mahoney, the film focuses on the Essex crime scene after the gangland murders of Pat Tate, Tony Tucker and Craig Rolfe in 1995.
The screenplay is written by Simon Cluett (Age of Kill). Greg Hall (Dangerous Mind of a Hooligan) is directing.
Cast includes George Russo (Turnout), Josh Myers (Green Street 3), Sam Strike (who plays Johnny Carter in TV soap Eastenders), Martin Delaney, Mark Harris (Anuvahood), Dani Dyer (Vendetta) and newcomers Ross Harland and Naomi Willow.
Chris Ellison (We Still Kill The Old Way), Johnny Palmiero (Age of Kill), Rebecca Ferdinando (White Collar Hooligan) and Terry Stone (Doghouse) reprise their roles from the original film. More cast is due to sign up soon.
Neil Jones and [link...
Filming commences this month on the sequel to 2010 UK home entertainment success Bonded By Blood.
Based on the crime book Essex Boys: The New Generation by Bernard O’Mahoney, the film focuses on the Essex crime scene after the gangland murders of Pat Tate, Tony Tucker and Craig Rolfe in 1995.
The screenplay is written by Simon Cluett (Age of Kill). Greg Hall (Dangerous Mind of a Hooligan) is directing.
Cast includes George Russo (Turnout), Josh Myers (Green Street 3), Sam Strike (who plays Johnny Carter in TV soap Eastenders), Martin Delaney, Mark Harris (Anuvahood), Dani Dyer (Vendetta) and newcomers Ross Harland and Naomi Willow.
Chris Ellison (We Still Kill The Old Way), Johnny Palmiero (Age of Kill), Rebecca Ferdinando (White Collar Hooligan) and Terry Stone (Doghouse) reprise their roles from the original film. More cast is due to sign up soon.
Neil Jones and [link...
- 1/2/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Friday night's Strictly opener got off to a dazzling start with the great (Pixie Lott, Jake Wood and Caroline Flack) and the not-so-great (Scott Mills) providing us with excitement, drama and a few laughs.
This evening, the remaining nine celebrities hit the dance floor for the first time with their pro partners. Frankie Bridge, Thom Evans, Simon Webbe and Gregg 'Buttery Biscuit Base' Wallace are among those hoping to impress us with their cha chas, jives and waltzes.
20:27So that's all folks. Time for a breather and a chance to look back at all my dreadful spelling and grammar during the evening. Apologies for that! It's been lovely working on Strictly again. Please let us know who you think was the best in the comments below.
20:26Looking back at all the dances now, Mark Wright's performance is looking more impressive than most. Especially considering his personality is...
This evening, the remaining nine celebrities hit the dance floor for the first time with their pro partners. Frankie Bridge, Thom Evans, Simon Webbe and Gregg 'Buttery Biscuit Base' Wallace are among those hoping to impress us with their cha chas, jives and waltzes.
20:27So that's all folks. Time for a breather and a chance to look back at all my dreadful spelling and grammar during the evening. Apologies for that! It's been lovely working on Strictly again. Please let us know who you think was the best in the comments below.
20:26Looking back at all the dances now, Mark Wright's performance is looking more impressive than most. Especially considering his personality is...
- 9/27/2014
- Digital Spy
Friday night's Strictly opener got off to a dazzling start with the great (Pixie Lott, Jake Wood and Caroline Flack) and the not-so-great (Scott Mills) providing us with excitement, drama and a few laughs.
This evening, the remaining nine celebrities hit the dance floor for the first time with their pro partners. Frankie Bridge, Thom Evans, Simon Webbe and Gregg 'Buttery Biscuit Base' Wallace are among those hoping to impress us with their cha chas, jives and waltzes.
19:27Right, next up. It's Steve Backshall (nope, we're still not sure either) and Ola. Nobody mention James Jordan. The man who must not be mentioned.
19:26"You're my type of woman, big, bold and bouncy." Steady on Len Goodman you filth bag. "You're good in the morning, but you're fantastic at night," he adds. Bloody hell, what is this sauciness. I think that's vomit in the back of my mouth.
19:...
This evening, the remaining nine celebrities hit the dance floor for the first time with their pro partners. Frankie Bridge, Thom Evans, Simon Webbe and Gregg 'Buttery Biscuit Base' Wallace are among those hoping to impress us with their cha chas, jives and waltzes.
19:27Right, next up. It's Steve Backshall (nope, we're still not sure either) and Ola. Nobody mention James Jordan. The man who must not be mentioned.
19:26"You're my type of woman, big, bold and bouncy." Steady on Len Goodman you filth bag. "You're good in the morning, but you're fantastic at night," he adds. Bloody hell, what is this sauciness. I think that's vomit in the back of my mouth.
19:...
- 9/27/2014
- Digital Spy
Strictly Come Dancing returns this weekend with a new presenter (Hello Claudia!) and 15 new celebrities ready to strap on the sequins, pink Lycra and dazzle us with their best cha chas and paso dobles.
We attended the show's launch event earlier this week to meet the stars and here are 19 juicy secrets about the lineup.
1. Mark Wright has a secret weapon up his sleeve
Mark Wright: "The only thing I can do at the moment is a mad caterpillar. I can't do one of them out there, can I?"
Caroline Flack: "That could win it for you!"
2. Just don't mention the romantic 'Strictly Curse' to Mark and Michelle Keegan
"No, I don't want to talk about that. I don't want to go there. Not. At. All."
3. Mark Wright is secretly loving the costumes
"That was one of the things I was dreading. I told them, 'Keep it as little glitter as possible please'.
We attended the show's launch event earlier this week to meet the stars and here are 19 juicy secrets about the lineup.
1. Mark Wright has a secret weapon up his sleeve
Mark Wright: "The only thing I can do at the moment is a mad caterpillar. I can't do one of them out there, can I?"
Caroline Flack: "That could win it for you!"
2. Just don't mention the romantic 'Strictly Curse' to Mark and Michelle Keegan
"No, I don't want to talk about that. I don't want to go there. Not. At. All."
3. Mark Wright is secretly loving the costumes
"That was one of the things I was dreading. I told them, 'Keep it as little glitter as possible please'.
- 9/5/2014
- Digital Spy
Some quick sales news has hit our desks coming out of Cannes 2014. The Highland Group has joined forces with Anchor Bay UK to work together on several titles including the long talked about World War Dead. Read on for details.
From The Press Release
Highland Film Group has joined forces with Anchor Bay UK to introduce three genre titles to international buyers at the upcoming Marché du Film at Cannes. The slate of UK produced titles includes World War Dead, We Still Kill The Old Way, and Age Of Kill.
World War Dead stars Ray Panthaki (28 Days Later), Wendy Glenn (You’re Next) and Kacey Barnfield (Resident Evil) and is about a TV documentary team travelling to the Somme to uncover new mysteries in relation to World War I. However, what they unearth is far from a new story, but an army of the undead and a brand new war.
From The Press Release
Highland Film Group has joined forces with Anchor Bay UK to introduce three genre titles to international buyers at the upcoming Marché du Film at Cannes. The slate of UK produced titles includes World War Dead, We Still Kill The Old Way, and Age Of Kill.
World War Dead stars Ray Panthaki (28 Days Later), Wendy Glenn (You’re Next) and Kacey Barnfield (Resident Evil) and is about a TV documentary team travelling to the Somme to uncover new mysteries in relation to World War I. However, what they unearth is far from a new story, but an army of the undead and a brand new war.
- 5/13/2014
- by Steve Barton
- DreadCentral.com
Exclusive: The Orchard picks up North American rights to Gangster Playboy Legends and sequel.
London sales outfit Av Pictures has inked deals with The Orchard for North American rights to crime duo Gangster Playboy Legends and sequel Gangster Playboys Retribution.
Both films will form part of a new genre label within distributor Orchard, which previously acquired Av’s Comedown.
Sales on Gangster Playboy Legends have previously closed for Australia/Nz (Rialto), Benelux (Premiere TV Distribution), China (Jy Entertainment), France (Marco Polo), Germany (Ksm), Greece (Videorama), Japan (Take Shobo) and Scandinavia (Take One).
Discussions are ongoing with most of the same distributors on the sequel.
Gangster Playboy Legends depicts the rise and fall of the notorious Essex Boys Gang, whilst the sequel is inspired by the subsequent revenge rampage that followed the true life Range Rover Murders.
The ensemble casts include Billy Murray, Alex Esmail, Peter Barrett and Kierston Wareing.
Both films are directed by Paul Tanter with the...
London sales outfit Av Pictures has inked deals with The Orchard for North American rights to crime duo Gangster Playboy Legends and sequel Gangster Playboys Retribution.
Both films will form part of a new genre label within distributor Orchard, which previously acquired Av’s Comedown.
Sales on Gangster Playboy Legends have previously closed for Australia/Nz (Rialto), Benelux (Premiere TV Distribution), China (Jy Entertainment), France (Marco Polo), Germany (Ksm), Greece (Videorama), Japan (Take Shobo) and Scandinavia (Take One).
Discussions are ongoing with most of the same distributors on the sequel.
Gangster Playboy Legends depicts the rise and fall of the notorious Essex Boys Gang, whilst the sequel is inspired by the subsequent revenge rampage that followed the true life Range Rover Murders.
The ensemble casts include Billy Murray, Alex Esmail, Peter Barrett and Kierston Wareing.
Both films are directed by Paul Tanter with the...
- 2/25/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
To mark the release of Essex Boys: Retribution 23rd December we’ve been given 5 copies to give away on DVD.
It was the most infamous gangland killing in British history, an empire of crime had ended overnight when four men were shot dead in a desolate field late at night. The killer was never caught and the story of that night would become legend. But there were men who would never rest until justice was served, their influence reached to the very top echelons of the British underworld and their profession was murder. This is the story of the epic retribution that followed the Range Rover murders – a revenge spree that would shake the local crime families and police force to their core. Their names will never be known, but their deeds shocked a nation.
Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The...
It was the most infamous gangland killing in British history, an empire of crime had ended overnight when four men were shot dead in a desolate field late at night. The killer was never caught and the story of that night would become legend. But there were men who would never rest until justice was served, their influence reached to the very top echelons of the British underworld and their profession was murder. This is the story of the epic retribution that followed the Range Rover murders – a revenge spree that would shake the local crime families and police force to their core. Their names will never be known, but their deeds shocked a nation.
Please note: This competition is open to UK residents only
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The...
- 12/11/2013
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
When Steve Davis was evicted from the jungle, the snooker star was shocked but happy. What happened next? And how would he describe his jungle journey? We catch up with the sporting icon to find out…
How does it feel to be evicted from the jungle, Steve?
"Wow, what a journey it's been! I'm a Celebrity was fantastic. It was so much fun. If anyone had told me how exciting it will be, I wouldn't have believed them. It's been amazing and I really enjoyed the experience. This year, we've had some very clever, very witty and very interesting people in there. The conversation around the campfire was brilliant."
What was your jungle highlight?
"Joey cracked me up in there. He comes out with most amazing statements, so he's definitely been a highlight. Our jaws were constantly dropping at everything he says. He's hilarious. I really want him to win the jungle crown.
How does it feel to be evicted from the jungle, Steve?
"Wow, what a journey it's been! I'm a Celebrity was fantastic. It was so much fun. If anyone had told me how exciting it will be, I wouldn't have believed them. It's been amazing and I really enjoyed the experience. This year, we've had some very clever, very witty and very interesting people in there. The conversation around the campfire was brilliant."
What was your jungle highlight?
"Joey cracked me up in there. He comes out with most amazing statements, so he's definitely been a highlight. Our jaws were constantly dropping at everything he says. He's hilarious. I really want him to win the jungle crown.
- 12/7/2013
- Digital Spy
Despite releasing The Fall of the Essex Boys only at the start of this year, Paul Tanter is about to return with the follow-up, Essex Boys: Retribution, a fictionalised story picking up eighteen years after the famed Range Rover murders.
The film hits cinemas just in time for Christmas next month, and we’ve got the first trailer to share with you as we head into the weekend.
Leading the cast this time around are Ian Virgo (Rise of the Footsoldier), Alex Ismail (Attack the Block), Ryan Winsley (The Fall of the Essex Boys), and Kyle Summercorn (Turnout), with Lorraine Stanley (London to Brighton), Vas Blackwood (Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels), and Billy Murray (The Rise and Fall of a White Collar Hooligan) completing the cast nicely.
Tanter (Jack Falls, The Fall of the Essex Boys) is once more directing from his own script, and he produces alongside frequent collaborator Simon Phillips (GBH/Riot,...
The film hits cinemas just in time for Christmas next month, and we’ve got the first trailer to share with you as we head into the weekend.
Leading the cast this time around are Ian Virgo (Rise of the Footsoldier), Alex Ismail (Attack the Block), Ryan Winsley (The Fall of the Essex Boys), and Kyle Summercorn (Turnout), with Lorraine Stanley (London to Brighton), Vas Blackwood (Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels), and Billy Murray (The Rise and Fall of a White Collar Hooligan) completing the cast nicely.
Tanter (Jack Falls, The Fall of the Essex Boys) is once more directing from his own script, and he produces alongside frequent collaborator Simon Phillips (GBH/Riot,...
- 11/29/2013
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The men of The Only Way Is Essex have taken a six-week six pack challenge for Men's Health magazine.
Mario Falcone, James 'Arg' Argent, Ricky Rayment, Charlie King and Chris Drake all took up the task, with Falcone winning the prize for the best body at the end of it.
"I was in alright shape and I know my body. I knew I could smash this challenge," Falcone said.
"Next goal for me is the Men's Health cover. If this is what I can do in six weeks, just watch what I can do in ten."
Arg lost a reported two stone during the challenge and 10% body fat, and pledged to keep up his fitness regime.
"Saying 'no' to booze has been tough but I love the results and I'm going to stick at it," he said.
"Look at me: the girls are going to love it,...
Mario Falcone, James 'Arg' Argent, Ricky Rayment, Charlie King and Chris Drake all took up the task, with Falcone winning the prize for the best body at the end of it.
"I was in alright shape and I know my body. I knew I could smash this challenge," Falcone said.
"Next goal for me is the Men's Health cover. If this is what I can do in six weeks, just watch what I can do in ten."
Arg lost a reported two stone during the challenge and 10% body fat, and pledged to keep up his fitness regime.
"Saying 'no' to booze has been tough but I love the results and I'm going to stick at it," he said.
"Look at me: the girls are going to love it,...
- 5/2/2013
- Digital Spy
It’s Monday, so we all know what that means! Yes, it’s time for another rundown of DVDs and Blu-ray’s hitting stores online and offline this week. It’s a very light week this week, so let us breakdown the new releases and highlight what you should – and shouldn’t – be buying from today, February 18th 2013.
Pick Of The Week
White Collar: The Complete Second Season (DVD)
Compelling characters and intricate plot twists make this riveting crime drama one of television’s slickest, sexiest shows. Matt Bomer returns as sophisticated conman Neal Caffrey, who teams up with FBI agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) to investigate an intriguing array of crimes ranging from extortion to murder. Now, reeling from the death of his girlfriend, Neal struggles to unlock the secret behind a mysterious music box and find Kate’s killer, even as his partnership with Peter begins to crumble.
Pick Of The Week
White Collar: The Complete Second Season (DVD)
Compelling characters and intricate plot twists make this riveting crime drama one of television’s slickest, sexiest shows. Matt Bomer returns as sophisticated conman Neal Caffrey, who teams up with FBI agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) to investigate an intriguing array of crimes ranging from extortion to murder. Now, reeling from the death of his girlfriend, Neal struggles to unlock the secret behind a mysterious music box and find Kate’s killer, even as his partnership with Peter begins to crumble.
- 2/18/2013
- by Phil
- Nerdly
A film version of The Only Way is Essex is believed to be in the works.
A movie spinoff of the ITV2 reality series set in Dubai is being developed by show bosses, according to The Sun.
Filming may begin within the next few months, with Mark Wright among former stars expected to make a return.
"There have been rumours of a Towie film for a while but bosses have now finally talked to the cast about it," an insider said.
"They said that while they are currently concentrating on the new series later this month, the film is something they want to do and it could even kick off as early as this summer.
[Towie's Sam Faiers and Joey Essex on a recent holiday in Dubai]
"Dubai would be the perfect place as it is the current hip destination for young Essex boys and girls, and it would be a great sunny location to film in."
A second source said: "It...
A movie spinoff of the ITV2 reality series set in Dubai is being developed by show bosses, according to The Sun.
Filming may begin within the next few months, with Mark Wright among former stars expected to make a return.
"There have been rumours of a Towie film for a while but bosses have now finally talked to the cast about it," an insider said.
"They said that while they are currently concentrating on the new series later this month, the film is something they want to do and it could even kick off as early as this summer.
[Towie's Sam Faiers and Joey Essex on a recent holiday in Dubai]
"Dubai would be the perfect place as it is the current hip destination for young Essex boys and girls, and it would be a great sunny location to film in."
A second source said: "It...
- 2/8/2013
- Digital Spy
A film version of The Only Way is Essex is believed to be in the works.
A movie spinoff of the ITV2 reality series set in Dubai is being developed by show bosses, according to The Sun.
Filming may begin within the next few months, with Mark Wright among former stars expected to make a return.
"There have been rumours of a Towie film for a while but bosses have now finally talked to the cast about it," an insider said.
"They said that while they are currently concentrating on the new series later this month, the film is something they want to do and it could even kick off as early as this summer.
[Towie's Sam Faiers and Joey Essex on a recent holiday in Dubai]
"Dubai would be the perfect place as it is the current hip destination for young Essex boys and girls, and it would be a great sunny location to film in."
A second source said: "It...
A movie spinoff of the ITV2 reality series set in Dubai is being developed by show bosses, according to The Sun.
Filming may begin within the next few months, with Mark Wright among former stars expected to make a return.
"There have been rumours of a Towie film for a while but bosses have now finally talked to the cast about it," an insider said.
"They said that while they are currently concentrating on the new series later this month, the film is something they want to do and it could even kick off as early as this summer.
[Towie's Sam Faiers and Joey Essex on a recent holiday in Dubai]
"Dubai would be the perfect place as it is the current hip destination for young Essex boys and girls, and it would be a great sunny location to film in."
A second source said: "It...
- 2/8/2013
- Digital Spy
British actor and Terry director Nick Nevern has made a career out of depicting hardened characters through a series of football hooligan and career criminal roles in the past few years, as well as donning fangs and claws as a werewolf.
His new film, The Fall of the Essex Boys, directed by Paul Tanter (The Rise & Fall of a White Collar Hooligan), sees Nevern play supergrass Darren Nicholls, the supposed fourth member of the notorious Essex Boys drugs gang that included Pat Tate, Tony Tucker and Craig Rolfe who brutally met their fate in a country lane in Rettendon, Essex, in December 1995.
Nevern discusses the new angle Tanter’s film offers into the ongoing mystery of the Essex Boys’ deaths and who was ultimately responsible, how he portrayed Nicholls, and what it’s like working with his mates, Tanter, Peter Barrett, Simon Phillips etc.
HeyUGuys: There have been many accounts...
His new film, The Fall of the Essex Boys, directed by Paul Tanter (The Rise & Fall of a White Collar Hooligan), sees Nevern play supergrass Darren Nicholls, the supposed fourth member of the notorious Essex Boys drugs gang that included Pat Tate, Tony Tucker and Craig Rolfe who brutally met their fate in a country lane in Rettendon, Essex, in December 1995.
Nevern discusses the new angle Tanter’s film offers into the ongoing mystery of the Essex Boys’ deaths and who was ultimately responsible, how he portrayed Nicholls, and what it’s like working with his mates, Tanter, Peter Barrett, Simon Phillips etc.
HeyUGuys: There have been many accounts...
- 1/30/2013
- by Lisa Giles-Keddie
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
We’re back in that muddy, rainy, remote country lane in Rettendon, Essex again with director Paul Tanter’s (The Hooligan Wars, Jack Falls) new angle on who was responsible for the deaths of Essex drug dealers Tony Tucker, Pat Tate and Craig Rolfe in December 1995 in The Fall of the Essex Boys.
The grizzly crime mystery has dominated Brit gangster folklore, always posing a fresh challenge for whoever brings another version to the big screen. Tanter has found another theory intriguing enough to rouse interest and provide an appealing watch, but it still falls victim to the clichéd Brit crime flick trap that such a genre film simply can’t escape from.
After the death of an ex-copper’s 18-year-old daughter from a bad ecstasy pill supplied by the notorious Essex Boys firm at Raquel’s nightclub in Basildon, Essex, Detective Inspector Stone (Ewan Ross) starts to see the...
The grizzly crime mystery has dominated Brit gangster folklore, always posing a fresh challenge for whoever brings another version to the big screen. Tanter has found another theory intriguing enough to rouse interest and provide an appealing watch, but it still falls victim to the clichéd Brit crime flick trap that such a genre film simply can’t escape from.
After the death of an ex-copper’s 18-year-old daughter from a bad ecstasy pill supplied by the notorious Essex Boys firm at Raquel’s nightclub in Basildon, Essex, Detective Inspector Stone (Ewan Ross) starts to see the...
- 1/29/2013
- by Lisa Giles-Keddie
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
On a rainy night in December 1995, three youngish gangsters called Tony Tucker, Patrick Tate and Craig Rolfe and plying their trade largely in Southend, were murdered in a Range Rover on a remote country lane near Rettendon in Essex. This drug-related gangland slaying has now become as staple a subject for the British cinema as Chicago's 1929 St Valentine's Day Massacre has been for Hollywood. Just as you've forgotten the explanation for the Rettendon killings, another one turns up with a slightly different plot and some new suspects. In 2000 we had Terry Winsor's Essex Boys where Sean Bean gets out of jail and pursues the grasses who put him away. Julian Gilbey's 2007 Rise of the Footsoldier traces the career of one Carlton Leach, a teenage West Ham football hooligan who becomes a major protection racketeer and ends up implicated in the Rettendon affair. Made in 2010, Sacha Bennett's Bonded by Blood...
- 1/27/2013
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
Due out in cinemas early next month, The Fall of the Essex Boys is the latest film following in the footsteps of Rise of the Footsoldier and Bonded by Blood.
Coming from director Paul Tanter (Jack Falls, The Rise and Fall of a White Collar Hooligan), the latest entry into the British gangster/true crime thriller genre is on the cusp of release here in the UK, and we’ve been given an exclusive clip to share with you.
“In the tradition of Rise Of The Footsoldier and Bonded By Blood, this film follows the rise and violent fall of the notorious Essex Boys, one of the most feared criminal gangs in Britain’s history. For the first time the real story is revealed in this film – the drugs, the violence and of course the murders. The real story is the most shocking of all.”
Nick Nevern (The Rise and...
Coming from director Paul Tanter (Jack Falls, The Rise and Fall of a White Collar Hooligan), the latest entry into the British gangster/true crime thriller genre is on the cusp of release here in the UK, and we’ve been given an exclusive clip to share with you.
“In the tradition of Rise Of The Footsoldier and Bonded By Blood, this film follows the rise and violent fall of the notorious Essex Boys, one of the most feared criminal gangs in Britain’s history. For the first time the real story is revealed in this film – the drugs, the violence and of course the murders. The real story is the most shocking of all.”
Nick Nevern (The Rise and...
- 1/25/2013
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Paul Tanter's medley of shopworn geezer-drawn-into-crime cliches has a modicum of originality, but it's depressing stuff
Paul Tanter's film adds a tiny twist to a tired old genre epitomised by aggressive and self-pitying "true-crime" geezer operas such as Essex Boys and Rise of the Footsoldier:. A football hooligan gets inducted into some criminal business – in this case, cloning debit cards. All the shopworn cliches are in place; as ever, the movie is based on the semi-reliable memories of an allegedly decent-ish bloke who got out of his depth. Nick Nevern plays Mike, an unemployed guy who meets up with an old mate, Eddie (Simon Phillips), who gets him into a dodgy set-up. Soon, Nick's getting serious cash – which he blows on coke, champagne and brassy blondes – and earning doe-eyed reproachful looks from his tragically nice girlfriend when he staggers home at dawn. Inevitably, the whole thing turns...
Paul Tanter's film adds a tiny twist to a tired old genre epitomised by aggressive and self-pitying "true-crime" geezer operas such as Essex Boys and Rise of the Footsoldier:. A football hooligan gets inducted into some criminal business – in this case, cloning debit cards. All the shopworn cliches are in place; as ever, the movie is based on the semi-reliable memories of an allegedly decent-ish bloke who got out of his depth. Nick Nevern plays Mike, an unemployed guy who meets up with an old mate, Eddie (Simon Phillips), who gets him into a dodgy set-up. Soon, Nick's getting serious cash – which he blows on coke, champagne and brassy blondes – and earning doe-eyed reproachful looks from his tragically nice girlfriend when he staggers home at dawn. Inevitably, the whole thing turns...
- 6/21/2012
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Here’s the new poster for The Rise and Fall of a White Collar Hooligan. The movie stars Nick Nevern (Adulthood, Terry), Simon Phillips (Jack Falls), Roland Manookian (The Football Factory, The Business), Billy Murray (Essex Boys, Rise of the Footsoldier), Rebecca Ferdinando (Bonded By Blood), Charlie Bond (Strippers vs Werewolves), Ricci Harnett (Rise of the Footsoldier) and is directed by Paul Tanter.
Synopsis: Casual football hooligan Mike Jacobs is going nowhere in life when he meets old friend Eddie Hill at a football match that turns nasty off the pitch. Under Eddie’s tutelage he soon finds himself inducted into the world of credit card fraud, where organised gangs withdraw hundreds of thousands of pounds from cash machines every night. As Mike becomes seduced by the money and women that come with his new lifestyle, the dangers increase and he soon finds events spiralling beyond his control.
Based on a true story,...
Synopsis: Casual football hooligan Mike Jacobs is going nowhere in life when he meets old friend Eddie Hill at a football match that turns nasty off the pitch. Under Eddie’s tutelage he soon finds himself inducted into the world of credit card fraud, where organised gangs withdraw hundreds of thousands of pounds from cash machines every night. As Mike becomes seduced by the money and women that come with his new lifestyle, the dangers increase and he soon finds events spiralling beyond his control.
Based on a true story,...
- 6/7/2012
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Filming has wrapped on the The Rise and Fall of A White Collar Hooligan, a "blisteringly violent" co-production of UK indies Black and Blue Films and Press On Features.
It's described as being in the tradition of The Football Factory, Green Street and Rise of The Footsoldier.
Two versions of the official poster are included here, along with the synopsis and cast information.
Written and directed by Paul Tanter (Jack Falls), the film features a top ensemble genre cast including Nick Nevern (Adulthood, Terry), Simon Phillips (Jack Falls), Roland Manookian (The Football Factory, The Business), Billy Murray (Essex Boys, Rise of the Footsoldier), Rebecca Ferdinando (Bonded By Blood), Charlie Bond (Strippers vs Werewolves) and Ricci Harnett (Rise of the Footsoldier).
Black & Blue Films managing director Jonathan Sothcott said: "We are delighted to be dipping our toe in the evergreen hooligan genre.
"I thought Jack Falls was a terrific-looking picture and...
It's described as being in the tradition of The Football Factory, Green Street and Rise of The Footsoldier.
Two versions of the official poster are included here, along with the synopsis and cast information.
Written and directed by Paul Tanter (Jack Falls), the film features a top ensemble genre cast including Nick Nevern (Adulthood, Terry), Simon Phillips (Jack Falls), Roland Manookian (The Football Factory, The Business), Billy Murray (Essex Boys, Rise of the Footsoldier), Rebecca Ferdinando (Bonded By Blood), Charlie Bond (Strippers vs Werewolves) and Ricci Harnett (Rise of the Footsoldier).
Black & Blue Films managing director Jonathan Sothcott said: "We are delighted to be dipping our toe in the evergreen hooligan genre.
"I thought Jack Falls was a terrific-looking picture and...
- 11/24/2011
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Black and Blue Films and Press on Features have sent us the brand new poster and synopsis for their latest movie, ‘The Rise and Fall of A White Collar Hooligan’. The movie has just finished filming and we’re told the movie is ‘a blisteringly violent hooligan picture in the tradition of The Football Factory, Green Street and Rise of The Footsoldier’.
The Rise and Fall of A White Collar Hooligan stars Nick Nevern (Adulthood, Terry), Simon Phillips (Jack Falls), Roland Manookian (The Football Factory, The Business), Billy Murray (Essex Boys, Rise of the Footsoldier), Rebecca Ferdinando (Bonded By Blood), Charlie Bond (Strippers vs Werewolves), Ricci Harnett (Rise of the Footsoldier) and is directed by Paul Tanter who wrote all of the Jack Falls series of movies as well as directing the most recent and is really going from strength to strength.
I’ve placed the synopsis below for your...
The Rise and Fall of A White Collar Hooligan stars Nick Nevern (Adulthood, Terry), Simon Phillips (Jack Falls), Roland Manookian (The Football Factory, The Business), Billy Murray (Essex Boys, Rise of the Footsoldier), Rebecca Ferdinando (Bonded By Blood), Charlie Bond (Strippers vs Werewolves), Ricci Harnett (Rise of the Footsoldier) and is directed by Paul Tanter who wrote all of the Jack Falls series of movies as well as directing the most recent and is really going from strength to strength.
I’ve placed the synopsis below for your...
- 11/23/2011
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Lauren Goodger is on the hunt for a new man since splitting from fiance Mark Wright. The 'Only Way Is Essex' star - who split from the nightclub promoter after a 10-year on/off relationship earlier this month - explained she is looking for a new guy in her life, but has ruled out dating a footballer. She said: "I'm definitely keeping an eye out for a new man, although this time I'm going to be careful who I go out with. I'm open to non-Essex boys, but I'd like to steer clear of footballers. "Having dated Mark, an ex-footballer, I...
- 9/25/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Lauren Goodger is on the hunt for a new man since splitting from fiance Mark Wright. The 'Only Way Is Essex' star - who split from the nightclub promoter after a 10-year on/off relationship earlier this month - explained she is looking for a new guy in her life, but has ruled out dating a footballer. She said: "I'm definitely keeping an eye out for a new man, although this time I'm going to be careful who I go out with. I'm open to non-Essex boys, but I'd like to steer clear of footballers. "Having dated Mark, an ex-footballer, I...
- 9/22/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
The Only Way Is Essex star Amy Childs has chatted to Jedward in the Celebrity Big Brother house about giving them a makeover and getting to party with her in Essex. Childs told the Irish twins that she would love to turn them into Essex boys and take them "dancing all night". "I'm going to take you out in Essex and we're going to dance all night. I'm going to make (more)...
- 8/19/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
If you look at Hollywood actors that dies a lot in movies, Sean Bean must be up there with one of the highest death counts going! If you see a movie or TV series with him in, more than likely he’ll be dead before the credits begin to roll!
Our favourite video editing maestro, Harry Hanrahan (who’s previous work you can catch here) has been at it again and has compiled a rather gory collection of scenes in which we get to see Mr. Bean (not that one) die over and over again.
I’ve placed the list of movies in which you get to see here below courtesy of Pajiba who hosted the video in the first place.
Please note, this video is rather gory in places.
Iframe Embed for Youtube
00:07 – Don’t Say a Word (2001)
00:24 – Equilibrium (2002)
00:33 – Outlaw (2007)
00:39 – Airborne (1998)
00:43 – Red Riding: In the Year of Our Lord 1974...
Our favourite video editing maestro, Harry Hanrahan (who’s previous work you can catch here) has been at it again and has compiled a rather gory collection of scenes in which we get to see Mr. Bean (not that one) die over and over again.
I’ve placed the list of movies in which you get to see here below courtesy of Pajiba who hosted the video in the first place.
Please note, this video is rather gory in places.
Iframe Embed for Youtube
00:07 – Don’t Say a Word (2001)
00:24 – Equilibrium (2002)
00:33 – Outlaw (2007)
00:39 – Airborne (1998)
00:43 – Red Riding: In the Year of Our Lord 1974...
- 7/19/2011
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Everyone knows that Sean Bean is, in fact, the balls. In addition to being Boromir, Ned Stark, and 006, the man has had unnumerable classic roles, yet has flown mostly under the radar for much of his career. But if you need a tough but good looking dude to glower menacingly and hurt people, either for the angels or the devils, then Sean Bean is your man.
The downside is that, well, he dies a lot. A Lot. It's like he entered the extra lives code and is determined to use every single last damn one of them. And thus, the wickedly brilliant Harry Hanrahan has given us this most precious of gifts -- an entire video dedicated to nothing but Sean Bean death scenes. It should go without saying that spoilers abound, so beware -- it's basically an entire video of spoilers. But it is so worth your while. Trust me on this.
The downside is that, well, he dies a lot. A Lot. It's like he entered the extra lives code and is determined to use every single last damn one of them. And thus, the wickedly brilliant Harry Hanrahan has given us this most precious of gifts -- an entire video dedicated to nothing but Sean Bean death scenes. It should go without saying that spoilers abound, so beware -- it's basically an entire video of spoilers. But it is so worth your while. Trust me on this.
- 7/14/2011
- by TK
Year: 2010
Directors: Sacha Bennett
Writers: Graeme Muir, Sacha Bennett
IMDb: link
Trailer: link
Review by: agentorange
Rating: 6 out of 10
[Editor's note: Don't forget to enter to win one of five DVDs of Bonded by Blood]
The best true-crime films are usually written like tragedies. Goodfellas, Blow, Scarface, Stander; all Icarus tales about guys growing up on the fringes, becoming made men and then getting too greedy when the dirty money starts rolling in. Their rise is usually an entertaining whirlwind of glamor and excess while their downfall exposes the American dream as a breeding ground for ungentlemanly behavior. And of course, their death/capture is always depicted with a certain epic gravitas in order to give the characters mythic qualities. Say hello to my little friend! Yes, our criminals are as mythic as our heroes.
Unfortunately, while Bonded by Blood delivers on its promise of showing the true story of the "Essex Boys" in all its bloody foul-mouthed glory, there is no real joy in watching...
Directors: Sacha Bennett
Writers: Graeme Muir, Sacha Bennett
IMDb: link
Trailer: link
Review by: agentorange
Rating: 6 out of 10
[Editor's note: Don't forget to enter to win one of five DVDs of Bonded by Blood]
The best true-crime films are usually written like tragedies. Goodfellas, Blow, Scarface, Stander; all Icarus tales about guys growing up on the fringes, becoming made men and then getting too greedy when the dirty money starts rolling in. Their rise is usually an entertaining whirlwind of glamor and excess while their downfall exposes the American dream as a breeding ground for ungentlemanly behavior. And of course, their death/capture is always depicted with a certain epic gravitas in order to give the characters mythic qualities. Say hello to my little friend! Yes, our criminals are as mythic as our heroes.
Unfortunately, while Bonded by Blood delivers on its promise of showing the true story of the "Essex Boys" in all its bloody foul-mouthed glory, there is no real joy in watching...
- 5/26/2011
- QuietEarth.us
As the mighty Sean Bean films his next movie, Cleanskin, we caught up with him to talk about some of his finest roles...
Just before Christmas, we were kindly offered the chance to come and see an action scene being filmed on the set of forthcoming independent Brit thriller, Cleanskin, which also afforded an interview with the film's main star, one Sean Bean.
From what we were told, Cleanskin portrays Sean Bean's character, Ewan, a secret service agent with a personal vendetta, defining his path and a need to stop any form of terrorist activity, while at the same time it aims to portray the other side of terrorism, which shows how the character of Ash (Abhin Galeya) is turned towards terrorism, bucking the trend of taking a one dimensional approach to the subject.
The whole day proved to be a surreal, but fantastic one, as the freak snowstorms...
Just before Christmas, we were kindly offered the chance to come and see an action scene being filmed on the set of forthcoming independent Brit thriller, Cleanskin, which also afforded an interview with the film's main star, one Sean Bean.
From what we were told, Cleanskin portrays Sean Bean's character, Ewan, a secret service agent with a personal vendetta, defining his path and a need to stop any form of terrorist activity, while at the same time it aims to portray the other side of terrorism, which shows how the character of Ash (Abhin Galeya) is turned towards terrorism, bucking the trend of taking a one dimensional approach to the subject.
The whole day proved to be a surreal, but fantastic one, as the freak snowstorms...
- 2/22/2011
- Den of Geek
Reviewed by Amanda Georges
(January 2011)
Directed by: Sacha Bennett
Written by: Graeme Muir and Sacha Bennett
Starring: Tamer Hassan, Vincent Regan, Terry Stone, Adam Deacon, Kierston Wareing and Dave Legeno
Just as the real-life Essex Boys saw themselves as big gangsters, “Bonded by Blood,” the film about their rise and fall, thinks of itself as a definitive gangster flick, but both crumble in the end.
The film, written and directed by Sacha Bennett, is based on the events that led to the 1995 murder of three drug gang members in the city of Rettendon, Essex. Pat Tate (Tamer Hassan), Craig Rolfe (Neil Maskell) and Tony Tucker (Terry Stone) are shot in the head while sitting in their Range Rover. Jack Whomes (Dave Legeno) and Mickey Steele (Vincent Regan) are convicted of the murders based on testimony from Darren Nicholls (Adam Deacon), who is later placed in witness protection. The story is not new to the screen,...
(January 2011)
Directed by: Sacha Bennett
Written by: Graeme Muir and Sacha Bennett
Starring: Tamer Hassan, Vincent Regan, Terry Stone, Adam Deacon, Kierston Wareing and Dave Legeno
Just as the real-life Essex Boys saw themselves as big gangsters, “Bonded by Blood,” the film about their rise and fall, thinks of itself as a definitive gangster flick, but both crumble in the end.
The film, written and directed by Sacha Bennett, is based on the events that led to the 1995 murder of three drug gang members in the city of Rettendon, Essex. Pat Tate (Tamer Hassan), Craig Rolfe (Neil Maskell) and Tony Tucker (Terry Stone) are shot in the head while sitting in their Range Rover. Jack Whomes (Dave Legeno) and Mickey Steele (Vincent Regan) are convicted of the murders based on testimony from Darren Nicholls (Adam Deacon), who is later placed in witness protection. The story is not new to the screen,...
- 2/1/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
Reviewed by Amanda Georges
(January 2011)
Directed by: Sacha Bennett
Written by: Graeme Muir and Sacha Bennett
Starring: Tamer Hassan, Vincent Regan, Terry Stone, Adam Deacon, Kierston Wareing and Dave Legeno
Just as the real-life Essex Boys saw themselves as big gangsters, “Bonded by Blood,” the film about their rise and fall, thinks of itself as a definitive gangster flick, but both crumble in the end.
The film, written and directed by Sacha Bennett, is based on the events that led to the 1995 murder of three drug gang members in the city of Rettendon, Essex. Pat Tate (Tamer Hassan), Craig Rolfe (Neil Maskell) and Tony Tucker (Terry Stone) are shot in the head while sitting in their Range Rover. Jack Whomes (Dave Legeno) and Mickey Steele (Vincent Regan) are convicted of the murders based on testimony from Darren Nicholls (Adam Deacon), who is later placed in witness protection. The story is not new to the screen,...
(January 2011)
Directed by: Sacha Bennett
Written by: Graeme Muir and Sacha Bennett
Starring: Tamer Hassan, Vincent Regan, Terry Stone, Adam Deacon, Kierston Wareing and Dave Legeno
Just as the real-life Essex Boys saw themselves as big gangsters, “Bonded by Blood,” the film about their rise and fall, thinks of itself as a definitive gangster flick, but both crumble in the end.
The film, written and directed by Sacha Bennett, is based on the events that led to the 1995 murder of three drug gang members in the city of Rettendon, Essex. Pat Tate (Tamer Hassan), Craig Rolfe (Neil Maskell) and Tony Tucker (Terry Stone) are shot in the head while sitting in their Range Rover. Jack Whomes (Dave Legeno) and Mickey Steele (Vincent Regan) are convicted of the murders based on testimony from Darren Nicholls (Adam Deacon), who is later placed in witness protection. The story is not new to the screen,...
- 2/1/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
*Full disclosure: a DVD screener of this film was supplied by Revolver Entertainment.
Director/writer: Sacha Bennett.
Bonded by Blood is loosely based on a group murder carried out December, 1995. The three killed were Patrick Tate, Craig Rolfe and Tony Tucker, each a drug dealer. These villains have been immortalized unjustly in three films, which include: The Essex Boys (2000), Rise of the Foot Soldier (2007) and now Bonded by Blood (2011). Likely killed by Jack Whomes and Michael Steele, who remain in prison, Bonded by Blood covers a detestable subject (drug dealing), with little depth. Revolver Entertainment will distribute this title on DVD February 1st and this film is really only for those who enjoy watching gangland styled films, as there is no positive moral tale here.
Many may have heard the story of The Intercity Firm and their coke induced exploits, but for those who have not - here is a summary.
Director/writer: Sacha Bennett.
Bonded by Blood is loosely based on a group murder carried out December, 1995. The three killed were Patrick Tate, Craig Rolfe and Tony Tucker, each a drug dealer. These villains have been immortalized unjustly in three films, which include: The Essex Boys (2000), Rise of the Foot Soldier (2007) and now Bonded by Blood (2011). Likely killed by Jack Whomes and Michael Steele, who remain in prison, Bonded by Blood covers a detestable subject (drug dealing), with little depth. Revolver Entertainment will distribute this title on DVD February 1st and this film is really only for those who enjoy watching gangland styled films, as there is no positive moral tale here.
Many may have heard the story of The Intercity Firm and their coke induced exploits, but for those who have not - here is a summary.
- 1/11/2011
- by Remove28DaysLaterAnalysisThis@gmail.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
You might not recognise Tamer Hassan’s name, but you’ll most certainly recognise his face – particularly if you live in England. He’s a pretty prolific actor, generally starring in British gangster movies like “Layer Cake” and “The Business” but he’s also been in a few Hollywood blockbusters like “Batman Begins” and “Unleashed”. He’s returned to the U.K for his latest film – “Bonded by Blood” – to retell the true story of the infamous Essex Boys murders of 1995. The story has been tackled by other movies such as “Essex Boys” with Sean Bean, and was touched upon in “Rise of the Footsoldier”, but “Bonded by Blood” pertains to be the most accurate depiction of the events. The film is definitely worth a watch, and is full of impressive performances – including the always reliable Hassan. I was lucky enough to chat with Tamer while he was promoting the movie,...
- 12/31/2010
- by Gazz Ogden
- Beyond Hollywood
Don't even bother trying to steal that line, I got that sh*t copyrighted.
In December 1995, three of the most notorious gangsters of the mid-90s were were found gunned down in a Range Rover in a deserted lane in Essex. Two men were eventually convicted of murdering these infamously violent drug dealers, who were feared throughout the county for their violence and crime. Divided by greed and bonded by the blood of their victims, the Essex Boys' rise to the top of the criminal underworld was just as dramatic as their final fall. The men convicted for the Range Rover murders proclaimed their innocence. This is the whole story.
Trailer after the break.
Embedded video stripped, see full HTML version.
In December 1995, three of the most notorious gangsters of the mid-90s were were found gunned down in a Range Rover in a deserted lane in Essex. Two men were eventually convicted of murdering these infamously violent drug dealers, who were feared throughout the county for their violence and crime. Divided by greed and bonded by the blood of their victims, the Essex Boys' rise to the top of the criminal underworld was just as dramatic as their final fall. The men convicted for the Range Rover murders proclaimed their innocence. This is the whole story.
Trailer after the break.
Embedded video stripped, see full HTML version.
- 10/5/2010
- QuietEarth.us
Bonded by Blood PosterBonded by Blood is the latest British gangster film to come to North American shores and this time Revolver Entertainment will offer a true story for fans. This film follows three of the most prolific drug dealers in the '90s, known as the Essex Boys. All three were gunned down in 1995 after being lured to an isolated location under the pretense of a lucrative drug buy. This story was first chronicled in film in 2000, as the Essex Boys and this latest version will star Vincent Regan (Clash of the Titans), Tamer Hassan (Dead Man Running) and Dave Legeno (Centurion). Watch the trailer below for the gory details.
The synopsis for the film:
"In 1995, drug suppliers and career criminals Tony Tucker, Patrick Tate and Craig Rolfe were blasted to death by a shot gun whilst waiting in a Range Rover in Rettendon, Essex. Bonded By Blood charts...
The synopsis for the film:
"In 1995, drug suppliers and career criminals Tony Tucker, Patrick Tate and Craig Rolfe were blasted to death by a shot gun whilst waiting in a Range Rover in Rettendon, Essex. Bonded By Blood charts...
- 10/1/2010
- by 28DaysLaterAnalysis@gmail.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
Following Essex Boys (1999) and Rise of the Footsoldier (2006), this is the third British crime film inspired by a gangland massacre in 1995 in rural Essex, the culmination of a drug war that led to the deaths by multiple shotgun blasts of three celebrated villains and the conviction of their two murderers on the evidence of a supergrass who drove the getaway car. The movie is even more violent than its predecessors, the language reaches levels of obscenity that would make David Mamet blench and uses the real names of everyone concerned. It does not, however, cast any new light on the case and accepts at face value evidence given at the murder trial that many investigators have challenged.
CrimeThrillerPhilip French
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds...
CrimeThrillerPhilip French
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds...
- 9/4/2010
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
Bonded By Blood details the drama surrounding the cold-blooded killings of Tony Tucker, Pat Tate and Craig Rolfe in the Essex countryside in the winter of 1995. Sasha Bennett’s new film takes a more stylised but truthful account of what happened to cause their deaths than two previous movies based on the same subject matter (Essex Boys and Rise of the Foot Soldier).
Starring Tamer Hassan, Keirston Waring, Vincent Regan and Terry Stone, Bonded By Blood is a new Brit gangster flick released today in cinemas nationwide.
FilmShaft caught up with director Sasha Bennett on the blower to discuss the complicated navigation of making a film based on true events and ones with repercussions to this very day.
FilmShaft: The film is very different in style to Essex Boys and Rise of the Foot Soldier.
Sasha Bennett: Yeah, it is. I wanted to make the film a bit more American in feel.
Starring Tamer Hassan, Keirston Waring, Vincent Regan and Terry Stone, Bonded By Blood is a new Brit gangster flick released today in cinemas nationwide.
FilmShaft caught up with director Sasha Bennett on the blower to discuss the complicated navigation of making a film based on true events and ones with repercussions to this very day.
FilmShaft: The film is very different in style to Essex Boys and Rise of the Foot Soldier.
Sasha Bennett: Yeah, it is. I wanted to make the film a bit more American in feel.
- 9/3/2010
- by Martyn Conterio
- FilmShaft.com
Yet another Brit-gangster film version of the Rettendon Range Rover murders; this is as shoddy and cliched as the rest of them, writes Xan Brooks
Just as the American western had its Gunfight at the Ok Corral, so the British crime flick has the Rettendon Range Rover murders of December 1995, in which a trio of drug dealers were shotgunned to death on the back roads of Essex. This is the third film to revisit the scene, scampering in the wake of Essex Boys and Rise of the Footsoldier, trampling the evidence underfoot as it sniffs excitably at a pungent mess of gangster cliche. Tamer Hassan, king of the British B-movie, stars as the thuggishly avuncular Pat Kane, who dons various outfits as he wades from triumph to disaster. Here he is, resplendent in regulation knitwear as he tosses a snivelling grass over the prison railings. There he is, modelling a...
Just as the American western had its Gunfight at the Ok Corral, so the British crime flick has the Rettendon Range Rover murders of December 1995, in which a trio of drug dealers were shotgunned to death on the back roads of Essex. This is the third film to revisit the scene, scampering in the wake of Essex Boys and Rise of the Footsoldier, trampling the evidence underfoot as it sniffs excitably at a pungent mess of gangster cliche. Tamer Hassan, king of the British B-movie, stars as the thuggishly avuncular Pat Kane, who dons various outfits as he wades from triumph to disaster. Here he is, resplendent in regulation knitwear as he tosses a snivelling grass over the prison railings. There he is, modelling a...
- 9/2/2010
- by Xan Brooks
- The Guardian - Film News
Listen up you muppets. Bonded By Blood is a film where women are slags, and the men are slags too. They’re also called s**t-c**ts and just plain old c**ts. It’s the kind of movie where Big Time Charlies are hooked on Charlie and like to display their maleness by stoving some c**t’s head in because he looked at ‘em funny or he mugged him off or somethink like that.
Yes, my friends. Bonded By Blood exists in the netherworld of the British gangster flick; a genre that exploded with mediocrity in the wake of Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and hasn’t really been killed off.
Sasha Bennett’s movie, to be fair, isn’t filled with mockneys and focuses on the real life killings of three drug dealers in 1990s Essex. The rise of the mythological ‘Essex Man...
Yes, my friends. Bonded By Blood exists in the netherworld of the British gangster flick; a genre that exploded with mediocrity in the wake of Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and hasn’t really been killed off.
Sasha Bennett’s movie, to be fair, isn’t filled with mockneys and focuses on the real life killings of three drug dealers in 1990s Essex. The rise of the mythological ‘Essex Man...
- 9/2/2010
- by Martyn Conterio
- FilmShaft.com
In 1995, three Essex gangsters were found shot to death in a Landrover in a country lane. The murky story of what happened to them and the subsequent tales of violence, drug deals and rival gangs soon became folklore.
Explored before in films such as Essex Boys and Rise of the Foot Soldier, Bonded By Bood takes the story into more realistic territory with clear-sighted angle.
Starring Tamer Hassan, Terry Stone and Vincent Regan and rising star Keirston Waring, this new Brit gangster flick opens in the UK on 3rd September.
Check out this clip, synopsis and poster below. There’s tonnes of swearing, sex and violence. The film should also be noted for the novel term ‘sh*t-c*nt’.
In 1995, drug suppliers and career criminals Tony Tucker (Terry Stone), Patrick Tate (Tamer Hassan) and Craig Rolfe (Neil Maskell) were blasted to death by a shot gun whilst waiting in a Range Rover in Rettendon,...
Explored before in films such as Essex Boys and Rise of the Foot Soldier, Bonded By Bood takes the story into more realistic territory with clear-sighted angle.
Starring Tamer Hassan, Terry Stone and Vincent Regan and rising star Keirston Waring, this new Brit gangster flick opens in the UK on 3rd September.
Check out this clip, synopsis and poster below. There’s tonnes of swearing, sex and violence. The film should also be noted for the novel term ‘sh*t-c*nt’.
In 1995, drug suppliers and career criminals Tony Tucker (Terry Stone), Patrick Tate (Tamer Hassan) and Craig Rolfe (Neil Maskell) were blasted to death by a shot gun whilst waiting in a Range Rover in Rettendon,...
- 9/2/2010
- by Martyn Conterio
- FilmShaft.com
Given the seemingly never ending popularity of the Brit gangster film, it was always inevitable that sooner or later someone would take the next logical step and combine it with the horror genre. “Dead Cert” does just that, following in the footsteps of Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriquez’s classic “Dusk Till Dawn” by throwing vampires into the mix. Directed by Steve Lawson (“Just For The Record”), the film comes with a cast list that reads like a who’s who of Brit genre talent, including Craig Fairbrass (“Rise Of The Footsoldier”), Billy Murray (“Essex Boys”), Dexter Fletcher (“Kick-Ass”), Steven Berkoff (“44 Inch Chest”), Dave Legeno (“Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince”), top character actor Jason Flemying (“Clash Of The Titans”) and even a bonus in the form of a cameo, from the one and only Danny Dyer (“Basement”). The film now arrives on DVD via Momentum Pictures, coming complete with...
- 8/21/2010
- by James Mudge
- Beyond Hollywood
In a statement released today, actor and independent film producer Billy Murray has backed Jeremy Hunt’s decision to axe the UK Film Council.
Murray has been one of the best-loved faces on British screens for over thirty years, including films such as Performance, Essex Boys and cult classic McVicar. More recently he has become known for his TV work, appearing as bent cop Don Beech in top-rated ITV drama The Bill, and later, the iconic TV villain, gangster Johnny Allen in Eastenders. He’s also the voice of Captain Price in the two Call of Duty: Modern Warfare video games.
Since leaving Eastenders, Murray has moved behind the camera and owns the production company Black and Blue Films, whose movies include Rise of the Footsoldier and Doghouse, as well as the forthcoming vampires vs gangsters horror thriller Dead Cert, which premieres at the London Film4 FrightFest on 26th August.
Murray has been one of the best-loved faces on British screens for over thirty years, including films such as Performance, Essex Boys and cult classic McVicar. More recently he has become known for his TV work, appearing as bent cop Don Beech in top-rated ITV drama The Bill, and later, the iconic TV villain, gangster Johnny Allen in Eastenders. He’s also the voice of Captain Price in the two Call of Duty: Modern Warfare video games.
Since leaving Eastenders, Murray has moved behind the camera and owns the production company Black and Blue Films, whose movies include Rise of the Footsoldier and Doghouse, as well as the forthcoming vampires vs gangsters horror thriller Dead Cert, which premieres at the London Film4 FrightFest on 26th August.
- 8/3/2010
- by Phil
- Nerdly
BBC U.S. nabs TV rights for pics
BBC America said Wednesday that it has acquired rights to a slew of feature film titles through deals with Buena Vista Television and Sony Pictures Television.
BBC America said the deals include the network television premieres of Calendar Girls and Kinky Boots, both acquired from BVT. Calendar Girls, starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, is set to premiere at 9 tonight, while Kinky Boots, starring Joel Edgerton and Chiwetel Ejiofor, will debut on BBC America in the summer.
Other titles acquired from BVT include The Quiet American, starring Michael Caine and Brendan Fraser, which is set to air at 7 p.m. ET Jan. 2; Essex Boys, featuring Sean Bean, Tom Wilkinson and Alex Kingston and premiering at 9 p.m. ET Nov. 14; Ethan Frome, starring Liam Neeson, Joan Allen and Patricia Arquette and making its BBC America debut at 7 p.m. ET Jan. 3; and The Crying Game, which stars Forest Whitaker, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Rea and Jim Broadbent and is set to air in the summer.
From Sony, BBC America has acquired the Hugh Grant-Andie MacDowell starrer Four Weddings and a Funeral and Shallow Grave, starring Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston and Kerry Fox, both of which are set to air in the summer.
Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.
BBC America said the deals include the network television premieres of Calendar Girls and Kinky Boots, both acquired from BVT. Calendar Girls, starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, is set to premiere at 9 tonight, while Kinky Boots, starring Joel Edgerton and Chiwetel Ejiofor, will debut on BBC America in the summer.
Other titles acquired from BVT include The Quiet American, starring Michael Caine and Brendan Fraser, which is set to air at 7 p.m. ET Jan. 2; Essex Boys, featuring Sean Bean, Tom Wilkinson and Alex Kingston and premiering at 9 p.m. ET Nov. 14; Ethan Frome, starring Liam Neeson, Joan Allen and Patricia Arquette and making its BBC America debut at 7 p.m. ET Jan. 3; and The Crying Game, which stars Forest Whitaker, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Rea and Jim Broadbent and is set to air in the summer.
From Sony, BBC America has acquired the Hugh Grant-Andie MacDowell starrer Four Weddings and a Funeral and Shallow Grave, starring Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston and Kerry Fox, both of which are set to air in the summer.
Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.
- 10/26/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BBC U.S. nabs TV rights for pics
BBC America said Wednesday that it has acquired rights to a slew of feature film titles through deals with Buena Vista Television and Sony Pictures Television.
BBC America said the deals include the network television premieres of Calendar Girls and Kinky Boots, both acquired from BVT. Calendar Girls, starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, is set to premiere at 9 tonight, while Kinky Boots, starring Joel Edgerton and Chiwetel Ejiofor, will debut on BBC America in the summer.
Other titles acquired from BVT include The Quiet American, starring Michael Caine and Brendan Fraser, which is set to air at 7 p.m. ET Jan. 2; Essex Boys, featuring Sean Bean, Tom Wilkinson and Alex Kingston and premiering at 9 p.m. ET Nov. 14; Ethan Frome, starring Liam Neeson, Joan Allen and Patricia Arquette and making its BBC America debut at 7 p.m. ET Jan. 3; and The Crying Game, which stars Forest Whitaker, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Rea and Jim Broadbent and is set to air in the summer.
From Sony, BBC America has acquired the Hugh Grant-Andie MacDowell starrer Four Weddings and a Funeral and Shallow Grave, starring Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston and Kerry Fox, both of which are set to air in the summer.
Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.
BBC America said the deals include the network television premieres of Calendar Girls and Kinky Boots, both acquired from BVT. Calendar Girls, starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, is set to premiere at 9 tonight, while Kinky Boots, starring Joel Edgerton and Chiwetel Ejiofor, will debut on BBC America in the summer.
Other titles acquired from BVT include The Quiet American, starring Michael Caine and Brendan Fraser, which is set to air at 7 p.m. ET Jan. 2; Essex Boys, featuring Sean Bean, Tom Wilkinson and Alex Kingston and premiering at 9 p.m. ET Nov. 14; Ethan Frome, starring Liam Neeson, Joan Allen and Patricia Arquette and making its BBC America debut at 7 p.m. ET Jan. 3; and The Crying Game, which stars Forest Whitaker, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Rea and Jim Broadbent and is set to air in the summer.
From Sony, BBC America has acquired the Hugh Grant-Andie MacDowell starrer Four Weddings and a Funeral and Shallow Grave, starring Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston and Kerry Fox, both of which are set to air in the summer.
Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.
- 10/26/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.