Capsule Film Review: Empire State (2013)

Based on a true story, crime thriller Empire State begins in 1982 New York, place faced with huge economic problems and rampant crime. Protagonist, played by Liam Hemsworth, is Chris Potamitis, son of Greek immigrants whose was deprived of desired police career and must settle with a job of security guard in a company specialised for transporting money. His job is boring and occasionally dangerous, but Chris discovers an opportunity to take money for himself. His preparations for heist of a lifetime are followed with problems one of his friends (played by Michael Angarano) created with local gangsters and rather capable police detective (played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson). Made with relatively low budget and plenty of black humour, Empire State succeeds in recreating atmosphere of pre-Giuliani New York and looks sufficiently authentic until the last part, when the violence and action looks too Hollywood-like and too convenient. Hemsworth, who is adequate in his part, is nevertheless overshadowed by better acting job of Angarano and Paul Ben-Victor in the role of protagonist's father.

RATING: 5/10