Starring:    Noel Clarke, Michelle Ryan, Tamsin Egerton, Shanika Warren Markland

Directed:    Noel Clarke

Since exploding on to our screens with stunning Kidulthood and then amazingly following it up with the even edgier and grittier Adulthood, Noel Clarke remains one of Britain’s rising stars who is a complete rare quality. Actor, Director, Writer and Producer, it is so rare that an individual can master all of the above and remain, in one sense, completely anonymous at the same time.

4.3.2.1. is his latest offering, and, while not up to the standards of his previous two, it still packs a good punch with great characters, good scripting and an excellent cast featuring Clarke himself as a bossy shift manager.

Shannon (Ophelia Lovibond), Cassandra (Tamsin Egerton), Kerrys (Shanika Warren-Markland) and Jo (Emma Roberts) star as four best friends, who, after becoming inadvertently involved with a diamond heist in Antwerp have a crazy few days as they try to get their problems sorted and get themselves out of the mess they have gotten themselves into, even though they have no idea how they ended up where they are!

With edgy and fast paced camera work, Clarke again does his best Woody Allen impression by showing us his city but not in a fanciful light.  While the movie itself is in no way an equal to his previous outings, it still keeps you entertained and with a supporting cast that includes Eastender Michelle Ryan as a mysterious jewel thief as well as an excellent cameo from the maestro Kevin Smith it’s a good enough reason to go to the cinema.

When Clarke does finally appear on screen, his presence is such that you can’t take your eyes off him and wish he was in the whole movie.  Many directors have tried but failed to get their acting chops in their own movies. Such luminaries as Tarantino and M Night Shyamalan embarrassed themselves in front of the camera and this is where Clarke really shines, with his edgy and brooding look that will definitely make Hollywood sit up and take note.

A good movie overall and another fine effort from a young mutli talented individual. Let’s just hope Hollywood doesn’t suck him in end he stays true to his roots.  That is where the best movies are made!

4/5