Two Hidden Gems? The Contender (2000) and Free Fire (2016)

Two very different movies, both unfairly overlooked on release, but which have since accrued growing reputations amongst film buffs.

First up, The Contender.

Directed by Rod Lurie (The Last Castle, The Outpost), this political drama comes across as a darker twin to Rob Reiner's American President five year earlier. 

Faked heroism, phony moralising and genuine idealism all come into play - aided mightily by a great cast that includes Jeff Bridges (as the President), Joan Allen, Sam Elliott, Christian Slater, William Petersen, Phillip Baker Hall and Gary Oldman.

Oldman, whose political views veer right of centre was apparently miffed by the liberal slant of the completed picture.

Tough.

Moving forward to 2016, we have Ben (Kill List, A Field in England) Wheatley's warehouse-set comedy-thriller is a real treat.

Punchy and well delivered dialogue give this bloodthirsty little movie real zest, drawing in part its inspiration from the storeroom shoot-outs in Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs (1992).

Set in 1970s Boston (actually filmed in Brighton, England), the film depicts the fall out from a IRA gun running deal that goes spectacularly t*ts up.

Like The Contender, the picture boasts a terrific cast, with Sharlto Copley, Armie Hammer, Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy, Sam Riley, Michael Smiley, Patrick (Sleeping with the Enemy) and old pal Noah Taylor all turning in strong performances.

Enjoy.