RAT RUN

Crispin Redman gives a strong performance as Malachy Kitchen, who is accused of leaving his patrol in Iraq while it was under siege. Disgraced, Malachy descends to hard drinking and living rough. Redman does wonders with the gang-speak of the South London projects and is convincing as Malachy embarks on a series of vigilante missions, eliminating small-time drug dealers in order to regain his honor. Redman handles the subplots with finesse, including some frightening descriptions of attempts to smuggle an Islamic fanatic into England, conversations at MI6, and encounters with the German police. Even for a political thriller, the plot is a bit of a stretch, but Redman stays believable as Malachy seeks to redeem his good name. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 07]