Midlands Review of Bangalore
midlandsmovies • September 21, 2020
Bangalore
Directed by Joshua Brown
2020
Blackbeetle Films
From Blackbeetle Films comes Bangalore, a comedy crime short film about a duo of bungling burglars who bite off more than they can chew on a job destined for failure.
We're introduced to Dave (Neil Hurst) and Mike (Jas Steven Singh) as they wait inside their vehicle before they start the job, whilst both seem like complete novices in the world of crime it is Dave who sticks out like a sore thumb. Silly and oafish, he mentions to Mike that they should use code names for this job, similar to a film he had watched the night before - a nice send up to Reservoir Dogs!
Dave has a reason for his introduction to crime, he's a butcher by trade who has had to close his shop due to financial reasons. His unsavoury brother Rick calls one morning and offers him a lifeline, which he accepts, something his soon to be partner-in-crime Mike isn't happy about.
Writers Oliver Cowton and Scott Driver sprinkle puns, innuendos and double entendres throughout Bangalore, most of them hitting their mark. The comedy factor is helped massively by editor Harry Kumar who never lets a shot hang on a frame longer than needed.
Once our hapless burglars are into the property we see the homeowner (Brian Fileman) none the wiser, headphones in with music on full blast. He then enjoys a bath, as Mike and Dave wait impatiently to pounce.
Jas Steven Singh as Mike brings the confidence needed to play a leading role within the film and a leading role within the robbery. His performance stands out to me as he has to remain somewhat of a threat whilst balancing the witless act required for his part, similar to the roles George Clooney played for the Coen Brothers in the early 2000's.
Unsurprisingly the robbery doesn't go to plan, the safe is voice activated and set to a particular word which angers Mike, what angers him more is seeing Dave receiving yoga lessons from the homeowner as he's taped up to a chair.
A takeaway driver then knocks on the door and that's when the real problems mount up for our brainless duo, ending with a great gag certain to make the audience grin.
A band of daft criminals attempting a robbery isn't exceptionally original or brand new, however director Josh Brown makes it memorable, his cast have great chemistry, the cinematography is professional and well framed and the sound mix is perfectly in tune.
Guy Russell
Twitter @budguyer
On Sunday 26th April Midlands Movies Editor Michael Sales & awards ceremony co-host Ed Stagg (BBC Radio) announced the nominations for the 2026 Midlands Movies Awards live from the Queen of Bradgate Vintage Cinema in Leicester. A big thanks was given to the entire Jury Panel of industry experts who gave up their precious time to watch a huge selection of creative projects and as always, had a difficult time choosing from the excellent number of films from the region. You can read the full list of nominations across all 16 categories below and watch our announcement videos here: Part 1 & Part 2 And please also check out our great awards partner Chrome Video Best Actress in a Leading Role Karendip Phull for Family Kate Bracken for The Lace Rachel Baker for Throwing Fruit Chloe Wade for How Long Sophie Bullock for Ma Prison Best Animated Film Of All the Things by Steff Lee Big Red by James Pyle Statue in the Garden by Qianhui Yu Butterfly by Jacob Christie Best Director Luke Worrall for The Waterline Lily Portman for Quiet Jack Richardson for Daniel’s Room Jonathan Hawes for Sorry We’re Closed Sophia Dall'Aglio for Man from Mars Best Documentary Nothing's Impossible by Jacob Thomas McClean A Birmingham Symphony by Jemma Saunders We Bring Light: Leicester's Diwali Legacy by Kieran Vyas The Sunshine Café by Jill Lampert Through the Viewfinder by William North Best Sound (Editing or Mixing) Neil Evans & his team for Artificial Insanity Alasdair Gretton for Dead on Distribution Deepanjali Patel for Earworm David Hamilton-Smith for The Pause Heidi Wilson for Of All The Things Best Actor in a Supporting Role Devon Junior for Lazar Tim Sparrow for Safety Net Shaiek Ahmed Rana for Family Luke Rollason for Quiet Peter Willoughby for A Story of Spring Best Visual & Special Effects Jake Wesley-Worrall for Soul Trader Steve Askey & team for The Correction Unit Nick Willett, Matt Burkey & Jayne Hyman for Black Goat JaqD SFX MUA, Mind Magic Studios and Ben Harker for Beyond the Witching Hour Jacob Christie for Countenance Best Cinematography Gary Rogers for The Pause Laurence Mason-Guetta for Sorry We’re Closed Ian Snape for Soul Trader Ash Connaughton for Daniel’s Room Duane Adamoli for Surfing (nominations continue below...)
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