Sean Pertwee

Soldier (1998) - 3/5

This movie has more military setpieces than action scenes, preferring the fighter-turned-lover narrative over stock spectacle, and it works pretty well. Kurt Russell brings the perfect combination of badass and pathos to the role, and the story doesn’t get in its own way or overcomplicate things.

Closest comparison: It’s like Unchained by way of Enemy Mine.

Setting: Sci-fi
Plot: Redemption
Tone: Action

Shopping (1994) - 3/5

This is a teen crime movie that works better than you might expect from its low budget. Jude Law and Sadie Frost have palpable chemistry that carries the film, and the plot fades into the background as the it basks in the ambience of ‘90s British street punks. Fans of the genre will likely rate it higher, but I don’t find anarchy plots intrinsically engaging. Still, it’s a fascinating artifact of the early work of Jude Law, Johnathan Price, Sean Bean, and director Paul W.S. Anderson.

Closest comparison: It’s like Trainspotting toned down to the level of The Warriors.

Setting: Crime
Plot: Tragedy
Tone: Punk Anarchy