If you're on the lookout for the perfect evening watch, we've uncovered a gripping, forgotten gangster drama. Starring the unlikely duo of Danny Dyer and Brenda Blethyn, Dead Man Running is a fast-paced film that puts a fresh spin on the genre. The good news is, you can stream it now.
There's one simple premise - make a payment within 24 hours, or face deadly consequences. The film, which first hit theatres in 2009, follows ruthless New York loan shark, Mr Thiago (Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson) who travels to London to punish one of his late payers.
Reformed ex-con Nick (Tamer Hassan) is his target, but he's struggling financially. He has just one day to clear the £100,000 debt. As a guarantee he pay up the gangsters hold Nick's wheelchair-bound mum Mrs Kane (Brenda Blethyn) hostage.
In desperation, he recruits his best friend Bing (Danny Dyer) and they embark on an epic race against the clock. From the dog tracks of East London all the way to the underground drug scene of Manchester. They try every trick in the book to come up with the money. But will they be able to pull it off before it's too late?
There's also some surprise names behind the production. Former premiere league footballers Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole were executive producers, working alongside writer and director Alex De Rakoff (whose credits include The Calcium Kid).
There's some other brilliant actors in the cast too. Top Boy's Ashley Walters plays Fitzroy, another one of Nick's loyal friends plus comedian Omid Djalili plays an hysterical Manchester gangster Nick visits for help.
If you're after a spot of light-hearted entertainment, and are a fan of Danny Dyer's classic crime films such as The Business and The Football Factory, you'll want to tune into this forgotten gem. Brenda Blethyn delivers the standout performance with her incredible delivery of piercing one-liners. And, critics at the time agreed.
Metro singled out Blethyn's performance, writing: "The scenes between Blethyn and Davis could be a film in themselves: Blethyn's pitch-perfect performance being this clock-ticker's one outstanding element."
Over on IMDB, viewers were obsessed with the fast-paced saga, calling it "perfect" and writing: "If you like the British gangster type films then this is the film for you, very funny and entertaining all way through, nothing dragged or was boring at all."
Another wrote: "Surprisingly good, well casted, good plot and fast paced. Well worth the watch."
While a third viewer added: "Lighter in tone than most British gangster type thrillers, there are some real giggles to be had in this. Helps that the acting is a cut above too, and there seems to be real chemistry between the two leads Tamer Hussan and Danny Dyer."
If you're interested in tuning in, Dead Man Running is available to watch now on Tubi and Prime Video.
