User reviews

Now i'm a definite fan of Jason Statham. After reading the reviews of this film iv'e realized that no matter what this man does he will not please the critics. Whenever he does what he is good at(action movies), he is just one note and doesn't do anything else. When he tries something different like in this movie, he isn't good enough for a dramatic role.Well I for one enjoyed this film as a welcome change of pace as this is his most serious/dramatic role which I felt he did a good job.

The story is dark, gritty and down to earth as many war vets suffer psychological problems and as a result end up homeless or drug addicts.The movie is very character driven, layered which adds some needed depth to a Statham movie. He plays Joey Jones, a homeless war vet traumatized by his experiences and much of the story is about his character's experience's in the underworld of London. The movie feels authentic, the way its shot on the dark London streets and also reading that their was research done on Statham's part preparing for the role.It's good to see he can do a dramatic role plus use his action strengths and kick ass when he does.

Overall, If your expecting an all out action film maybe you should watch Safe instead. However, if you want to see a darker, grittier film more deep than your typical Statham film and welcome the change of pace. I'd give it a watch and see how you like it.

Overall: 7/10

Just finished watching "Redemption"/Hummingbird" and was most impressed with this movie as entertainment,I knew nothing about it except my favorite"Action Man"Jason Statham was in it so that was enough to gain my interest and I was not disappointed however it was a movie not in the usual style I expected of Jason Statham,after I got past the first fifteen minutes started to seriously get into the story. I won't go on with with all the details of the Plot,if you have taken the trouble to read my review you will know that information. This is a movie for anyone who enjoys good Drama/action with a small hint of romance and revenge also some redemption thrown in almost at the end, there I think I covered it all,was also impressed with Agata Buzek a new actress to me who is now on my Radar,her character of "Cristina" the Nun was very believable.I gave this film a seven because I enjoyed and was entertained which is why one goes to the movies.......

Given Jason Statham's recent track record in film, you might be forgiven for thinking that HUMMINGBIRD is yet another action-packed beat-'em-up, but it turns out to be something quite the opposite. The unusual title is a bit of a give-away, but this turns out to be a moody tale of redemption on the gritty streets of London.

Somewhat surprisingly, Statham shines as the down-on-his-luck former soldier reduced to a life of homelessness on the streets. This is a guy who rarely gets the chance to properly act, but who can be decent when given the opportunity. It helps that his story arc is well-handled, displaying sensitivity where needed and exploring the thematic elements with maturity.

Of course, there are one or two fight scenes tossed into the mix for the fans, but for the most part this is a thoughtful mood piece that tells an interesting tale and does so well. Congratulations to all involved.

It's been quite a long time, perhaps for the first, that I was engrossed with Jason Statham's movie, not due to the sheer number of cracked skulls, but with his character and the ones around him. Hummingbird is another entity compared to his usual martial arts filled carnage, although his trademark of hurting people certainly didn't disappear. Jason Statham as Joey Jones, takes on a deeper and more emotional role, which with the help of director Stephen Knight, surprisingly works well.

Agata Buzek as Cristina, a love interest role which couldn't be any farther than Jennifer Lopez's in Parker, is an altruistic nun who cares for Joey in his darker times. She is not the typical cinema beauty, yet she is humbly charming. Her acting is impeccable, often giving eerily sympathetic moments that could silence the audience. Statham benefits from her presence as well as he gives more to acting than the majority of his movies. That doesn't mean he will be getting awards soon, but it is a good direction on his part.

Cinematography utilizes London cityscape in a very rustic fashion, it's the opposite from the well-advertised side of the city. Streets and alleyways seem more in touch with reality, nothing grandiose about them, while prettier settings ooze some illusion of eminent cosmetic. With sleek scene transition between them, the movie appears to be very grounded. Story and script are great, despite having a few coincidental twists. It's somewhat a stark contradiction from the grimy visual, a bits of fantasy to escape the harsh prospect. Smart ways to evoke more mature theme is appreciated and it makes Hummingbird more subtly artistic.

Statham's character is a vigilante, a crowd-pleasing broken man whose past never lets him go. He does this part to his best, enough to at least differentiate him from his other tough guy role. However, people who purchase ticket to see Statham delivers knockout punches or staggering kick might be slightly disappointed. The action is brutal and punishing, but there's considerably fewer scenes from what might be expected from his type of movie, although these few are choreographed and done well in a more street brawl kind of way. Having a genuine martial artist couldn't hurt either.

The movie takes some time to get its rhythm, and while it's commendable for Statham to try this new change, he's still rough in acting department. That being said, Hummingbird is clearly superior than most of his movies. It doesn't rely simply on muscle, but it takes the audience to a more private look into these likable characters. I feel that the role of Joey Jones could be played by Jeremy Renner or Tom Cruise. If Jason Statham can continue in roles like this, he'd be bigger than just the guys who beats people up.

Rate 7.5/10

*Warning. This review is only short, I don't like to write long reviews, so please don't hate this review because its short and everything in the film isn't summarized, thank you.

I'm a huge Jason Statham fan and when I first saw the trailer for this film I was a bit skeptical whether or not, he could pull a dramatic drama performance off. And after reading some of the reviews I wasn't putting my hopes up too much, when the credits showed up, I was shocked.

Jason Statham was excellent, he wasn't the best. But what a transformation from being a *badass action hero, into playing a dramatic war veteran. This movie rocked. There was plenty of great scenes in here, and you can really tell he tried to put on his best performance.You could really feel the emotions of what his character was going through. The directing was also good and the cinematography was also great at times. You could really feel the darkish atmosphere and the danger the homeless people were in. This was most definitely a powerful drama.

So if your a fan of Jason Statham and want to watch something different from him then I recommend this. But please don't expect to see another Transporter film, the class of this one is much higher then many of his previous films.

Im going to give Hummingbird(Or Redemption in the U.S) 3 1/2 Stars. (7/10)

*Hes still badass in this film.

Although it could of have been better and is far from perfect, but it was a joy just watching Statham take on this type of role.

The first 20-30 minutes will make or break the movie for you. Those who expect a crazy pace and action non stop, will be disappointed for sure. It is more than likely that people will say/write, that Statham should stick to action roles. But I think it's a good thing he tries to evolve a bit. He has the action thing down now, why not go out and dip/try something else? The drama part does work entirely as is true with the rest of the story, but it does have something to tell, whether you agree with the arguments or not, it is different! And after the initial (slow) beginning of the movie, it does have some action to deliver too. But is there "Redemption" (as the German title of the movie suggests)?

Socially conscious films are nothing new and there are present in all genres. Jason Statham's latest effect is a movie that wears its themes and political issues very much on its sleeve and marks a very different turn for The Stath.

Thousands of people are homeless on the streets of London, two of them are Northern girl Isabel (Victoria Bewick) and Joseph 'Joey' Smith (Statham), an ex-special forces soldier who has gone A.W.O.L. from the army and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. Affected by drugs and alcohol, Joey is separated from Isabel, when they're attacked by thugs. Eventually, Joey ends up in a luxury apartment, where the owner happens to be away in New York for a year. With his new found safety net, Joey sets out to rebuild his life and try to find Isabel with the help of a Polish nun, Cristina (Agata Buzek). Shortly, Joey finds out that Isabel has entered into the world of prostitution.

Over the course of a year Joey ends up becoming an enforcer for Chinese gangsters, finds out that Isabel was murder by a client, forcing him to go on a mission of vengeance and he becomes closer to Cristina, a woman who has her own personal demons.

For those who are expecting a Statham action fest you will be very disappointed. Redemption is a crime drama, not an action thriller. There are only three fight scenes in the movie. They are very well shot, choreographed sequences with a brutal violence (a man even has his arm broken): but these sequences are very infrequent. French audiences will be particularly disappointed considering the movie is called Crazy Joe in their nation.

Redemption is Steven Knight's first movie as a director and he shows confidence behind the camera. As already stated he can handle fight sequences effectively. He's also very effective when showcasing a bleak world of violence and sex. Knight was expertly able to juxtapose the affluences of the Convent Garden area (home of the Royal Opera House) to the back alleys of the same area where homeless are out of sight and out of mind. Knight also shows us how people can disappear or be forgotten within a metropolis and how some people are able to reinvent themselves, due to the anonymity that a major city can offer.

The grim and gritty setting and the use of the sex trade/human trafficking shows how Redemption shares some similarities to Knight's previous movie as a writer, Eastern Promises. Even the basic set up of finding out what happened to someone who ended up being a sex worker is similar. Adding to that theme the three major female characters all have a tragic story of sexual abuse of some form, keeping it ever present with the social realistic tone of the movie.

While Knight's direction was excellent at setting up the divide in wealth and poverty, his writing and dialogue was very hard hitting and unsubtle. This was particularly the cast of Cristina because of conflicts of faith and Christian duties while still accepting money and aid from a man who earns it from dubious means. Even the themes of guilt and redemption are thrown into your face with the title: the British title (Hummingbird) is more subtle.

Another issue involving the screenplay is due the movie taking place during a whole year end up juggling three different plots at same which occasionally overlapped. It was tough to balancing act and at times the pieces did not fully fit together.

Knight also has some unsubtle digs against the current state of the British economy, having jabs against the cuts as well against banker's bonuses (though people on the Right in the UK hates bankers).

We all know Statham as a major action star and he rarely ventures outsides that genre. Redemption sees The Stath attempt a more serious, darker role and he cannot let the fists do the talking. It is most likely he was cast to ensure the movie got funding, yet Statham does deliver a solid performance, being silent and stoic, being able to offer some of his sardonic wit when needed.

Redemption is a bleak movie with very occasional moments of wit and action. It is a solid effort from Knight who shows confidence behind the camera. It is a refreshing change from Statham and this movie that shows even The Stath can cry.

Please visit www.entertainmentfuse.com

I never write reviews, but this time I was compelled to...

Don't bother reading the negative reviews from people moaning about how they miss Jason Statham being chased in a car or beating the crap out of everyone. If you want that and that only, then just go watch Transporter I, II and III.

If you want to see something different and refreshing, then simply don't miss this one. The story is good, there is plenty of action, and developed characters.

With a closed mind, expecting to see yet another copy of Jason's previous work, you'll be disappointed. But with an open mind, you will enjoy watching this very much.

This change of plan is simply the best thing Jason has done yet. He's convincing and manages to create quite some depth in his character. AND he still kicks ass. I can't see another actor having pulled this mixture of action, drama and psychology off better then Jason. He actually played a convincing 'human being' that has to take a hit like everyone, and he did it very well.

Amongst the better action/drama flicks of 2013.

8/10

Redemption isn't quite as interesting as it wants to be and is somewhat unfocused, but thanks to a surprisingly ambitious screenplay and one of Jason Statham's better performances, it works as a perfectly watchable thriller.

"Redemption" (aka "Hummingbird") is a step in a new direction for Jason Statham. And whether or not it is good, well of course that is an individual assessment. The change is that he is not playing the stereotypical character in his previous movies, there is something more deep and also dark to this character and this development. And the movie is more driven by his character than of the action in the movie.

I, personally, did like it, and found it a nice change of pace for a Statham movie. Of course, I was expecting the usual amount of action, fights and gunshots, but still this movie was enjoyable - especially because he did pull of this character and portrayed it well.

The story is about Joey (played by Jason Statham) who has returned from the war, and unable to cope with things he has sought comfort in alcohol and is living on the streets. Here he gets by with help and meals from a local Christian help organization. His friend is taken from him and this spurns Joey to clean up his act and get it together. However, he ends up working for a Chinese gang, doing all their dirty work. And when his friend is found dead in a river, Joey seeks out whom is responsible and wants revenge.

Storywise, then it is not as action-packed or driven by the adrenaline and action as we know from the prior movies. "Redemption" is more of a character- and story-driven movie, and it is done quite nicely. Because the story is well-told and good, and also the characters are detailed, unique and interesting.

For a Jason Statham movie, this is a step in a new direction. Whether or not you like it, well that is up to you, of course. I, however, can only recommend that you do watch it if you are a fan of Statham and his movies.

"I'm looking for someone, her name is Isabel. I've come to save her." Joey (Statham) is a homeless ex special forces soldier on the run from a court martial. When he stumbles on a chance to change who he is he takes it. When someone he knows comes up missing he has to walk the line between who he was and who he wants to be. Since this is a Statham movie I had an expectation going in. I was expecting another Transporter type movie, since that is basically all he does. I am a fan of his but who's gonna argue that. The first half hour made it seem like a different movie for him, then he became a driver/hit-man and I thought...here we go again. For the most part though this was a different movie and role for him and he did a pretty good job. This is nothing amazing and won't really change the way he is viewed but for once this isn't just another Transporter type movie. I liked it, but again I am a Statham fan. Overall, a different type of movie for him and worth seeing. I give it a B.

This is very watchable, it interesting and engrossing to watch with some really good storyline that's different from your typical Statham movie. I liked it and felt like the ending was fulfilling in quite wholesome ways. The acting was on point. This film has many layers, showing a large range of characters, from gangsters to the homeless, soldier to businessman. Statham seemed more human and vulnerable than most of his movies. It wasn't too long and didn't drag on at all. I like the way it focused on the main character doing the right things to the best of his ability and also making up for his past shortfalls. Maybe in the eyes of God or just to be a good man in general.

After I saw Wild Card, which has some of the most awesome fight-scenes ever, I thought maybe, just maybe this one too has fighting gold in it. But no. Well, it has some fighting, but not nearly the same caliber as Wild Card. (I knew Corey Yuen wasn't involved so I did not expect the violence to be that good, but I hoped)

This more of a drama really, but with some action/violence sprinkled in. Actually it's a pretty decent movie. Jason Statham has this screen presence, he is just entertaining to watch. Also his fighting style is very cool.

Hummingbird/Redemption doesn't reinvent anything, but it does what it tries to do, pretty well. It has a couple of great moments, but mostly it's OK, you know? Had IMDb had half stars, this would be a 6.5 for me.

Overall the movie is entertaining and kind of interesting, but it just lacks a little something something to make it really good.

This seemed like a potential break-out film for Stratham as it involves a love interest between a nun and tragic hero. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get past the lack of range Stratham exhibits. No matter how long the camera holds a shot of his face, it doesn't make the expression of emotion stronger. As usual, the fight scenes are exceptional, with Stratham good at showing little emotion as he cracks bones. But then, this is his strength, very physical with little emotion. These bouts of physicality come at the expense of long periods with our hero struggling with inner demons. His rather cliché statement, "I drink to weaken the machine they made" would probably resonate with a male teen. Our "hero" is a "bad" good guy (as opposed to a "good" bad guy) who is often drinking straight from a bottle of booze. We are supposed to feel his pain like Agata Buzek who plays the nun with her own demons. We later learn they are perfect for each other and that is the problem.

I like Stratham movies maybe because he plays characters who can't show emotions. Unfortunately, in this case, when needed Stratham isn't able to fully express those inner demons.

Once someone see Jason Statham's name and face on the promotional materials, they will immediately think Hummingbird is another action film where the star runs around the city fighting bad guys. If you came expecting it to be like The Transporter or any typical Statham feature, it would be either disappointing or otherwise surprising. The plot is more of a Neo-Noir drama about a man who lives in the rotten side of society and faces real consequences. The film is unbalanced in handling two of its tones, but the context hits the right note in the end. Hummingbird has a better way to tell the story but it's already a fascinating film to watch.

The story is obviously about redemption, and as a Statham film it should have fistfights to show his enemies who's boss. But instead his character here troubles facing his demons and has to commit crimes to get what he needs. It's a much interesting story about people who have to deal with the unfair reality and beat it off with their skills. It surely has punching but they are used for torture rather than exciting action set pieces, though they may still remind you of a standard action film. The film suffers of balancing between tones. Example is the opening feels totally different from the rest of the movie. It looks like a complete thriller until it randomly jumps to art-house crime drama. Probably, it's a set up for the ones who came for the action by the main actor's existence in the film, but it goes again whenever Joey beats up someone for his job. Maybe the problem is these scenes are not grim enough. They should have shown an uglier depiction of violence.

The best parts are when it simply keeps the characters into their gloomy lives. Letting everyone understand the protagonist's motivation of being a Robin Hood. Jason Statham didn't standout much. His fighting is still impressive, though our familiarity to his moves kind of glosses the scenes that are supposed to be uneasy to watch, but his natural film personality buys the character, giving awareness to the choices he make and guilt he receives. The real talent that shines here is Agata Buzek, who genuinely presents her character's contrasting traits.

Hummingbird is a strange film with a classic kind of story, but it's the sort of strange that is rarely seen in cinema today. It's sort of hard to find the right type of audience to get appealed to this. It was all drama, then suddenly has fighting scenes that are supposed to be dark yet becomes the other way around. In other parts, it has an engaging exploration of the characters' bleak little world. The filmmaking is as magnificent as it needs and the performances are quite gripping. It still deserves a better portrayal of its conflicts and a set of tones that could decently fit together. In the end, it's a worth seeing change from the genre and the main actor.

I think this is the first Statham movie I've not overly enjoyed in all honesty and here's why. So the whole plot itself just didn't fish me in. The concept is that he wants to turn his life around. Okay, well give me some depth on the character. Literally just says oh he's a former soldier. I just wasn't sold on the idea at any point, because i just didn't care enough about his character. Same goes for his former homeless girlfriend. He spends most the film hunting her killer, the girlfriend however was on screen for about 5 seconds combined. How are the audience supposed to care about the murderer when there's no character depth.

I will say that it's a change of pace for Statham movie, which is fine. Still has some good action moments in there. But the plot just didn't totally fish me in. Same for the love interest. I just didn't really care for it.

5/10. It's not a bad watch in all honesty. Just expected a bit more from it.