Lawless...pretty flawless.

'Lawless' is an adaptation of a true story that sees three brothers fight the law, and in the process, become heroes for standing up for the basic principles they believe in

So, just got back from watching 'Lawless' in the cinema.

Couple of thoughts on the movie, as always, not giving away any plot-spoilers. I wouldn't like it if it was done for me, I simply remark on the film as a whole and let you guys and girls decide whether it's worthy of your time.

Tom Hardy. Is there another more consistently brilliant actor out there right now in 2012. The guy has been on a roll the last two years or so with just constantly great (let's not be modest) performances. This was no different for him, as he took on the mantle of Forrest Bondurant, the rugged, rough leader of the Bondurant brothers.

Another fantastic outing for Tom Hardy and Guy Pearce, in roles that will no doubt rate up there amongst their very best when it's all said and done. There is a depth, warmth, coldness, grittiness and overwhelming power that both men are able to muster for two very, very different characters. Shia Lebeouf also held his own in a cast littered with readily available talent as youngest brother, Jack Bondurant.

The relationship between Forrest and Jack (Hardy and Lebeouf) is a focal point of the story and is a chance to show what both actors can seriously do

John Hillcoat (who directed one of my favourite films period: The Proposition) and Nick Cave show their collaborative genious in the screenplay and direction of this film. Executed perfectly. Sure, it has to be easy when you have a true story (it was based on Matt Bondurant's 2008 novel 'The Wettest County in the World') as your starting point, but make no mistake, it takes individuals who really feel and understand the story they're trying to tell to pull it off quite as gracefully as these two have. It has a look that is undeniably authentic and for the 115 minutes you're in the cinema, it could easily be a documentary piece. It has a realism about it all it's own.

Quickly, I'd also like to point out the strength of the music in this film. The soundtrack, being compiled of songs from Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, and primarily performed by a sessional band, The Bootleggers (see the connection to a prohibition-era film?) is stupidly strong. The choice of certain tracks (Fire and Brimstone, Burning Hell, White Light/White Heat) just seem to fit so well with the story and the look of the film and only serve to create an even richer viewing experience. The fact that the same songs are replayed by different artists and with different connotations and feeling behind them is a clever thing to have happen here as well. Talk about giving your film a voice and a plethora of accompanying tunes.

Will there be a more-hated bad guy on-screen in 2012 than Special Agent Charley Rakes? (Guy Pearce) It will take some topping. This guy is one mean son of a bitch!

This film has it all. There's action, drama, grit, subtle (and well-worked) comedy, romance and everything that makes a real-life story interesting and fascinating to recount. I'd go book yourselves some tickets to this, you won't be disappointed.