First Shift Review
First Shift is an enticing, always potent action drama has an entertaining duo of urban detectives on the beat in icy New York. One is grouchy seasoned Deo. (Gino Anthony Pesi) reluctantly saddled with incoming partner, new to the city Angela, (Kristen Renton) bonding over a variety of loose criminals and a dog.
Not quite Training Day (2001) or Lethal Weapon (1987) or Tango & Cash (1989) cruising the streets with these two opposites still begins as a booming ordeal.
Gruff loner Deo, is happy to exclaim mild sexual remarks whilst not giving bright as a button Angela any potential credit she deserves, until her inadvertently assisting with the little things in enquiries leading to cases solved, or at least clues being found. Trustworthy friends, they soon become.
Directed by notorious Uwe Boll, a multi talented, energetic, ionate, knowledgeable, capable filmmaker no stranger to controversy and ordinary reviews through his oeuvre. This is one of his most grounded movies, audacious to a point but definitely not over the top. A mild budget is put to good use in adequate action scenes, whilst wintery locations out and about around The Big Apple, keep it real.
As leads, Mr. Boll has hit that perfect bounce of believable chemistry. Delectable, irresistible Renton, a girl next door one minute, serious with verve the next is a huge acquisition to the film. Pittsburgh born Pesi, reminds me of young Michael Pare, he is convincing as a grumpy seen-it-all career cop with a heart of gold.
Smaller roles by dynamite Brandi Bravo, (Smile 2) and veteran James McMenamin, whom I distinctly in television series, Orange is the New Black, are terrific.
First Shift is engaging, momentarily funny and somewhat ambitious by the end, as there is no end! What could have been a cop out (pun intended) or procedural, but the movie continues on pace throughout to be breezy with genuine cliffhanger style build ups to interesting situations.
An open final stanza is really just, to be continued……..
The further adventures of Deo and Angela in a follow on (sequel) from auteur Mr Boll was strategically planned ahead that may perhaps, bring him a bunch of new fans.
★★ 1/2
Available on UK Digital Platforms from 19th May 2025 / Gino Anthony Pesi, Kristen Renton, James McMenamin, Daniel Sauli, Tamara Della Anderson, Brandi Bravo, Gary Pastore / Dir: Uwe Boll / 15 / Plaion Pictures
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