Blue Iguana (2018)

Directed by: Hadi Hajaig | 100 minutes | action, comedy | Actors: Sam Rockwell, Ben Schwartz, Amanda Donohoe, Al Weaver, Frances Barber, Phoebe Fox, Simon Callow, Peter Ferdinando, Anton Saunders, Jenny Bede, Daniel Eghan, Paul Chan, Andre Flynn, Lee Nicholas Harris, Peter Singh, Peter Polycarpou , Vic Waghorn

Sam Rockwell is an actor who has been around for years, gets a lot of respect from colleagues and has been seen in major movies. Yet this American cannot be called a great movie star. Posters with his name on it do not attract hordes of film fans to the halls. Rockwell is not a Hollywood icon like Brad Pitt, to say the least. Although Rockwell was in blockbusters like ‘Iron Man 2’, he did not become poster material. Maybe it’s because of his looks and choice of roles. The American often plays a supporting role or plays a villain who stands in the shadow of the hero. Anyway, in ‘Blue Iguana’ our Sam plays the leading role. Unfortunately, this production isn’t going to catapult him to the top of Hollywood either…

‘Blue Iguana’ revolves around ex-cons Eddie (Rockwell) and Paul (Ben Schwartz) who work in a restaurant in New York after their parole. The duo is not really happy about their jobs. When English lawyer Katherine Rookwood (Phoebe Fox) walks into the establishment, she has a special offer. Eddie and Paul can get rich by stealing a jewel – the Blue Iguana. This gem is located in London. Sounds easier said than done.

Although Rockwell takes most of the screen time, the real star of this movie is Phoebe Fox. Director Hadi Hajaig has written a strong female role and makes Fox shine as a crafty lawyer. Not that all the men in ‘Blue Iguana’ are stupid, but the fact is that the ladies present themselves as the stronger sex in this crime comedy. The humor is nice and absurd and that gives this film a fresh atmosphere. Hajaig is really trying to do something new and it suits her.

Rockwell is once again doing what he does best: pushing the story forward and serving the story as an actor. He is part of a greater whole. This way you will not become a Hollywood icon, but you will remain tenable until the end of time.