If you’re curious about what happens when a washed-up hitman swaps his silenced pistol for a crash course in “manhood” with elves and father-son vibes, get ready for *London Calling*. Allan Ungar’s latest action-comedy, hit theaters September 19, is a wild ride that shakes off the fall slump with explosive shootouts, laugh-out-loud moments, and surprising heart. Reuniting with *Bandit* star Josh Duhamel, Ungar delivers a genre-blending gem that’s equal parts chaotic and touching, never taking itself too seriously.
The Plot: From London’s Grit to L.A.’s Chaos
Meet Tommy Ward (Duhamel), a clumsy British assassin who botches a hit at a masquerade ball by mistaking his target for… a donkey in costume. This epic blunder puts him in the crosshairs of Freddy Darby (Aidan Gillen, exuding *Game of Thrones* menace), London’s deadliest crime lord. Fleeing to Los Angeles, Tommy lands a job with slick boss Benson (Rick Hoffman, dripping *Suits*-style smarm). His mission? Toughen up Benson’s awkward teen son, Julian (Jeremy Ray Taylor, *It*’s heart and soul), a nerd who wields foam swords and dreams up elf quests. What unfolds is a hilarious buddy-cop fever dream where hitman lessons collide with fantasy role-play, and Tommy learns the real target might be his own guarded heart.
Co-written by Ungar, Omer Levin Menekse, and Quinn Wolfe, it’s like *Scarface* meets *Pulp Fiction* with a side of charm.
Ungar, the Canadian director behind the viral *Uncharted* fan short, has a gift for spinning genre tropes into fresh, kinetic fun. *London Calling* showcases his knack for blending indie-style action—like car chases through L.A. and a chaotic fireworks-fueled showdown—with genuine emotion. The quieter moments, like Tommy and Julian’s bonding, hit hard without feeling forced, balancing gritty crime vibes with heartfelt bromance.
The Stars: Duhamel and Taylor Shine
Duhamel, is a revelation as the gruff, hapless Tommy—think a weathered Brad Pitt with a knack for bad luck. He brings charm and depth to the surrogate-dad role. Taylor’s Julian, an insecure teen turned accidental hero, matches him beat for beat, their chemistry turning goofy “training” sessions (from target practice to a botched real hit) into the film’s heart. Gillen’s menacing Freddy, Hoffman’s smug Benson, and a cameo from Arnold Vosloo add flair, but Duhamel and Taylor steal the show.
In a sea of predictable blockbusters, *London Calling* is a refreshing, unpretentious blast—hilarious, heartfelt, and primed to be a cult classic. Catch it in theaters now!