London Calling (2025) Review: A Hitman Becomes an Unlikely Babysitter

This London Calling review looks at a rowdy action comedy from director Allan Ungar that pairs a tired killer with a sheltered kid. Josh Duhamel leads the cast, and the film leans on banter, bad decisions and bursts of violence. It is loose, loud and not especially deep, but it has a few easy laughs.

London Calling Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The London Calling plot starts with Tommy Ward (Josh Duhamel), a hitman whose latest job in the UK goes badly wrong. He runs, and ends up working for a new crime boss who has an odd task for him. Tommy must look after the boss's son, Julian, and show him how to become a man.

That premise is a familiar one: the reluctant mentor and the awkward kid who needs toughening up. The film does not hide this. It sets up the pairing quickly and then lets the two rub each other the wrong way.

The tagline, "Become a hitman," sums up the tone. This is a crime story told as a coming-of-age joke, with guns in place of driving lessons.

What Works in London Calling

The central odd-couple idea gives the movie a clear engine. Every scene has the same question behind it: what happens when a washed-up killer tries to act like a father figure? That simple hook keeps the pace moving across its 114 minutes.

The film also mixes its genres with some confidence. As an action comedy, it uses violence for punchlines and keeps the mood light even when things turn rough. If you enjoy action movie reviews that don't take themselves seriously, the tone will suit you.

There is a playful streak in the music, too. A cheeky needle drop of "We Like To Party! (The Vengabus)" signals that the film wants you to have fun rather than brood.

London Calling Cast and Performances

The London Calling cast is led by Josh Duhamel as Tommy Ward. He plays the role with a worn-out charm, a man who is good at one job and bad at nearly everything else. His comic timing carries many of the weaker scenes.

Jeremy Ray Taylor plays Julian Darby, the boss's son. He gets the thankless job of being naive and eager at the same time, and he is a decent foil for Duhamel. Aidan Gillen appears as Freddy Darby, the crime boss, and brings some menace to the setup.

The supporting players include:

• Rick Hoffman as Benson

• Arnold Vosloo as Harry

• Daniel Lasker as Barnabus

The ensemble is a pleasant mix of familiar faces, though the script does not give everyone much to do.

Where London Calling Stumbles

The biggest problem is how predictable the story feels. If you have seen a mentor-and-protégé comedy before, you can guess the beats, and the film rarely surprises you. The writing from Omer Levin Menekse and Quinn Wolfe sets up good ideas but often settles for the obvious joke.

The humour is also uneven. Some gags land well, while others feel stretched or crude for the sake of it. The R rating gives the film room for rough language and violence, but that freedom does not always translate into sharper comedy.

The action itself is serviceable rather than memorable. It does the job, but it will not stand out from other crime comedies. Fans of broader comedy movie reviews may find it a bit thin.

Is London Calling Worth Watching?

Yes, London Calling is worth watching if you want a light, undemanding action comedy and enjoy Josh Duhamel's laid-back style. It is not a standout, but it is amiable and quick enough to pass an evening. Audience feedback is mildly positive, with a TMDB score of 6.4 out of 10 from 142 votes.

The London Calling release date was 18 September 2025, and it has made only a small amount at the worldwide box office so far, around $140,367. That suggests it will find most of its audience at home rather than in cinemas.

If you want something with more edge, you might try Under Fire, another 2025 crime story about two undercover agents. But for a silly, easygoing night, this one does the trick. You can find more details on the film at London Calling on IMDb.

Who Will Enjoy London Calling

• Fans of buddy comedies where a seasoned killer is stuck with a clueless kid.

• Viewers who like Josh Duhamel and Aidan Gillen and want a casual crime caper.

• Anyone after a short, low-stakes action comedy rather than a serious thriller.