Film Review: "LOCKE" is Fast Moving - Keep Your Arms in the Vehicle

CLOSED CAPTIONING is a MUST while watching the film "Locke", especially
if you are NOT from the UK. It always helps if you're watching anything
with actors using accents not the same as your own.
But also because the dialogue in "Locke" is so important (and so masterfully done by Steven Knight - who also directed this film gem) that you won't want to miss a syllable. So take a moment to flip on the CC.

It takes only a few minutes to become thoroughly involved in the main character's dilemna to do the right thing no matter what he has to sacrifice, because it is written so true to life and acted so well by Tom Hardy in the title role. He truly is THE actor of his generation and this film is just more proof of that. You can't take your eyes off him and it's not because he's the only one on screen for the entire film. There actually is a lot to look at. I found the SET DESIGN very important too, Because the entire movie takes place in one car during a 90 minute drive and there is so little "set", nothing is in the car by accident. (For Example: on the passenger side seat you see a layer of those wooden balls that makes it more comfortable to sit and aids circulation if a person is taking a long car ride. But how often do you see them on the PASSENGER side of a car? Does that mean TWO people sit in this car for long periods of time? Why is it so important that the "navigator" is comfortable? Does that say something about Ivan Locke's marriage? Is he considerate or is his wife demanding? A person could discuss the psychology of the "set design" for hours.)

It's been a long time since I've seen a film so true to human nature and there was barely an emotion I didn't experience while watching. Even everything Locke says to his father is exactly the same as my own experience that it was downright spooky. (Right down to my father reappearing years later wearing "trainers"). And how Ivan took his last name and "made it right". I've always tried to live a good life to "fix" my family name so it would represent something good.

"Locke" should be watched the second time also to focus on and appreciate the SUPPORTING CAST. They do such a remarkable job that you don't even consider them during the first viewing. Which actually means everyone is doing their "supporting" job to such perfection that they "disappear" into the experience of the story. But if you consciously take the time to notice them, you can't help but be amazed at the level of talent of the entire cast.

Think of it as if you are tasting food. The first mouthful just gets your taste buds ready to become more defining so you can pick up on the smaller nuances. It's your second bite before you appreciate just how good the food really is. And "Locke" is the equivalent of a wonderful movie meal. It's got a lot of courses, is prepared well, with care and attention to detail and there is something in it for
everyone. So enjoy. (And make sure to wear stretchy pants so you're comfortable and can take it ALL in). But this is NOT Drive-Thru fair. This is film dining at it's best, yet not your average meat and potatoes. It's all so familiar but also so absolutely unique that I'm at a bit of a loss of how to describe it. (And anything that leaves me at a loss for words is worth checking into just for that reason.)

I'd like to give it a 9 out of 10 Christian Fishes, but it loses 1 Christian fish solely due to the course language. So sensitive and young viewers should probably steer clear. But for everyone else, this is ride is a thrill. So make sure you're alert and your arms are inside the vehicle at all times because this ride is going to go fast.