This
is a surprisingly charming direct to video release from the British film vault,
released in other countries under the title “The 51st 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.
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