Accelerator

Publish date: 2024-06-30

Produced by Michael Garland. Executive producers, David Forrest, Beau Rogers. Co-executive producer, Rod Stoneman. Co-producer, Simon Channing-Williams.

Produced by Michael Garland. Executive producers, David Forrest, Beau Rogers. Co-executive producer, Rod Stoneman. Co-producer, Simon Channing-Williams.

Directed by Vinny Murphy. Screenplay, Murphy, Mark Stewart. Camera (Deluxe color), Seamus Deasy; editor, Peter Boyle; music, Adrian Uttley, Will Gregory; contributing composer, David Holmes; production designer, Ned McLoughlin; costume designer, Sonya Lennon; casting, Maureen Hughes. Reviewed at Cannes Film Festival (market), May 13, 1999. Running time: 85 MIN.

With: Stuart Sinclair Blyth, Gavin Kelty, Aisling O’Neill, Mark Dunne, Georgina McKeritt, Mary Ellen McCartan, Mary Murray, Jeff O’Toole, Gerard Jordan.

Six young couples in stolen cars race from Belfast to Dublin in “Accelerator, ” a low-voltage action film that runs out of gas far too soon. Apart from the Irish and U.K. markets, where results will probably be mild, this looks like ancillary product.

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At the outset, pic sets up an interesting idea as Belfaster Johnny T (Stuart Sinclair Blyth), who wants to quit stealing cars and retire to Barcelona, finds himself in conflict with unstable Dubliner Whacker (Gavin Kelty), mainly over the latter’s girlfriend (Aisling O’Neill), whom Johnny fancies. The rivals agree to take part in a race with several of their buddies, and the 12 competitors set about stealing six cars. As handled by co-writer and director Vinny Murphy, the expected adrenaline rush comes only in fits and starts. Whacker, as his name implies, proves a certified flake who brings on disaster. Pic ends on a decidedly downbeat note. “Accelerator” promises more than it delivers, and though competently produced feels truncated. The heavy Irish accents, north and south, may also be a problem in many territories.

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Accelerator

(ACTION -- BRITISH-IRISH)

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