Jason Statham (“The Transporter”, “Crank”) stars in “Blitz”, a really gritty police thriller that feels like a successor to the “Dirty Harry” and “Death Wish” franchises. This is not your standard fun action flick so this is definitely one to keep the younger viewers away from.

Somebody is prowling the streets of London and violently murdering police officers. Brant (Statham) is a loose cannon but he might just be the only man on the force that is up to the task of hunting the serial killer. As the days pass, the body count is increasing so Brant and his new partner (Paddy Considine “The World’s End”) need to get their man.

Jason Statham manages to inject some humour into this rather depressing movie. The opening scene sees him beat up three thugs that are trying to steal a car and we get to see Statham at his best. The chemistry between Brant and Nash is good but do not expect to see the next Riggs and Murtaugh. The serial killer in the movie is chillingly realistic, in the same way that the villain in the first “Dirty Harry” was. Some may find the villain so disturbing that they do not wish to watch the movie.

“Blitz” contains a terrific chase sequence where Statham pursues the killer by foot across London and it’s a great scene but it ends rather abruptly and that’s a shame. The characters are entertaining and there are a few great comedic moments but the film’s violence is likely to divide audiences. Some will find this a great thriller that is more believable than your average action film but others will be horrified by the graphic nature of the violence and some of the themes explored in this movie. It is by no means an easy watch but I have to recommend “Blitz”.