OK action film

Rating: 6/10 (2 February 2007)

The latest Leonardo outing is based on some facts but also contains some fiction. Set in 1999 against the backdrop of the bitter rebel fighting in Africa it tells the tale of how the exporting of illegal diamonds funds the fighting that is wiping out thousands of Africans and making even more homeless. Leo plays Danny Archer ex-soldier turned diamond smuggler and all round wheeler dealer and hard man, along with a reporter played by Jennifer Connelly and a local desperate to be reunited with his family they embark on a journey to recover a diamond big enough to get Connelly her story and Danny out of the imploding country. With rebels and the corrupt army also in pursuit there is enough action to keep the film moving along at a fair old pace and with some great performances the overall film is OK. One thing I didn't like was Leo's South African accent and all I could think about was the boss of Dante fires from 'Alan Partridge' and at times he does border on comical. The camera work on the fighting and set pieces is reminiscent of 'Black Hawk Down' with whizzing bullets and showers of debris which draws you in with the intensity of the action. Dimjoi Houston clearly has a chance at the best supporting actor Oscar as he gives such a passionate performance from start to finish. There are a few obvious bits of plot but also a few not so obvious that lead the viewer in a different direction than expected. But from what clearly starts off as a friendship due to the money at stake it does turn slightly towards the end and veers a bit to close to an ebony and ivory buddy romp through the jungle, that said I did enjoy the film not fully polished but by no means a rough diamond.