Idris Elba’s new film 100 Streets is a Brit flick with strong turn from Bond star Gemma Arterton and is a cut above straight to DVD dross

FOCUSING on a square mile in London and its various inhabitants, 100 streets could have been pretty basic stuff, but manages to punch well above its weight.

These are great performances from Idris Elba as an ex-England Rugby captain now fond of drugs and women, and Gemma Arterton as his estranged wife.

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The interweaving storylines, where all principal characters experience major life changes are very well done.

Support roles from people like Ken Stott and Tom Cullen is also top drawer, as is future star in the making Franz Drameh.

Drameh's take on the drug dealer wanting to clean up his act is the real shining light throughout the film.

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A great turn.

I’ll admit to some reluctance when this was offered to me to review. Many of these low-ish budget Brit films are often utterly appalling petrol station DVD drivel but this is the exception to the rule.

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Despite its relatively ludicrous dramatic escalation towards the end, I rather enjoyed this.

★★★☆☆