Without Warrant (2013) User Reviews

A great powerful action crime thriller

[leos_monkey · 5/10 · 23 January 2014]

In all of Australia's film industry history, the films that stick out and do well are crime movies- drama (Animal Kingdom) and comedy (Gettin Square). And there's dramatised true stories (ned Kelly, Underbelly, Killing Time, Chopper). Then this film pops up, a complete fiction of good cops, bent cops, corruption and criminals all blur into one line. A cast feature mostly of not known actors like David Barry as good cop Detective James Jewell and Andy McPhee as undercover cop Seargent Mike Callis and Peter Phelps in a small supporting role should not put anyone off from watching this powerful crime thriller drama about corruption within Victorian Police and the criminals they are after. Australia should really be making more films like this.

Decent cop action drama set in Australia

[jessenifnaf · 7/10 · 6 October 2018]

Starts of as a pretty average story of two cops trying to solve a gangland murder before street warfare erupts. Good cop and bad cop running at a pace, so plenty of shooting. As the movie progresses it become clear that the initial line of inquiry was flawed and that develops into a new plot line, albeit one that's not unfamiliar. However, there is a further development towards the end, again not unfamiliar, that develops right at the end to an unexpected finale. Hard to accurately predict the final outcome from the start. or even 90% in.

The story revolves around the two cops with limited detailed involvement with the other characters. They're working at a rush to solve the murder so we don't see much depth in he character and that results in characters that are somewhat one-dimensional. It works with the story and the actors pull off the characters well, even though it doesn't make for exciting acting. Overall, the cast do a good job.

Decent mid-week movie to watch snuggled under a blanket. Not one to invite the family round to watch after Sunday lunch.

not the best leads

[asinyne · 4/10 · 6 March 2017]

some action fans might appreciate this cause there is quite a lot of shooting, fighting, crashing about and what have you. My biggest gripe were the leads. Neither were good actors, one was wooden and the other to over the top. It didn't help that both dudes were kinda on the pug ugly side. Not to say a action hero has to be pretty but the camera needs to like them a little bit. Anyhow, two burned out Aussie cops run around trying to solve a murder. Things get tense and bloody in a hurry. There are so good points about this flick. Its fast moving and sort of has a plot. I don't think most of the actors were really actors though and that ultimately doomed the overall decent effort. I think my score of a four is pretty accurate. Not the best way to spend your time I would offer. I appreciate the effort though...keep trying

Pacey drama

[Breakers26 · 10/10 · 2 June 2008]

Went to see the premiere of this independent movie in Melbourne last week when on holiday there and it was a pleasant surprise. The film is well directed and filmed with a story that gives a fresh twist or two to the police/homicide genre. Andy McPhee is excellent as a psycho cop and there are plenty of little cameos by well established Aussie actors like Peter Phelps and Vince Gil. David Bradshaw is very entertaining in his supporting role.

This film really deserves a proper cinematic release, it's a shame that it isn't better known and that so few have got to see it so far. If you get the chance to watch you should...I'm hanging out for the DVD release, hope its out soon and that it comes with plenty of extras!