Formula 51

             This is a surprisingly charming direct to video release from the British film vault, released in other countries under the title “The 51^st State”. It stars Samuel L. Jackson (Snakes on a Plane) as chemist Elmo MacElroy. Busted on a drug charge in the 60’s, his licensure as a pharmacist was lost. He turned to the Lizard (Meat Loaf) and started making pharmaceutical drugs, finalizing his masterpiece, POS51, 51 times stronger than cocaine, and 51 times more hallucinogenic than acid, 51 times better feeling than e.

            The one problem is, Elmo doesn’t like the Lizard, or the way he pays. He’s selling out to the british. Enter Felix De Silva (Robert Carlyle, Trainspotting). He’s a middle level enforcer. After a major his nails everyone but MacElroy and De Silva, they’re off on a buddy comedy adventure full of violence, gun-play, drugs and yelling.

            These 2 volatile stars make for some great on screen romance. Compared to other performances, Jackson feels somewhat flat, but he still dazzles in many of his lighter moments.

            Carlyle as well brings the british culture out very richly and stands his ground without getting dominated by the huge talent and domineering persona of Jackson. The Balance is restored in their buddyship. The twists and turns in the plot are pretty weak, but it’s still quite entertaining and well approached. 2.