Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violence, drug use in likable odd-couple crime comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
London Calling
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In LONDON CALLING, paid killer Tommy Ward (Josh Duhamel) is on an assignment at a masquerade party in London. Unfortunately, he makes a mistake that angers gang lord Freddy Darby (Aidan Gillen) and is forced to flee the country. Tommy manages to say a quick goodbye to his son, who lives with Tommy's estranged ex-wife. A year later, he's in Los Angeles, unhappily working for crime boss Benson (Rick Hoffman). Tommy asks Benson for help to get back to London, and Benson agrees, with the caveat that Tommy take Benson's son, Julian (Jeremy Ray Taylor), along on his next job and teach him "how to be a man." Tommy reluctantly agrees, even though their assignment is to take out a notoriously dangerous killer known as Alistair Mcrory (Neil Sandilands). Things go comically wrong, but, in the thick of it, Tommy and Julian learn a little something about each other—and themselves.
Is It Any Good?
This is definitely a second-tier crime comedy—the equivalent of a cheap airport paperback—but it's freewheeling and funny, and the characters just click somehow. Duhamel re-teams with director Allan Ungar (after their first outing, Bandit) for London Calling, and it seems like a good pairing. The actor is loose and on point, his character so relaxed among criminals and killers that their scenes together are like water-cooler chats.
Even better is Duhamel's matchup with Taylor as Julian, a misfit kid who loves to LARP (live-action role-play). We've seen this kind of thing before, many times, but the two stars make it work again with their easy repartee. Even jokes like those about Tommy's car, a 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix, keep landing successfully; everyone makes fun of the vehicle except Tommy, who replies "it's a classic!" London Calling (named after the famous Clash song, which plays on the car radio) perhaps uses too many twists and goes on a bit long—it can't keep up its sunny energy for that entire time—but it's still an entertaining ride.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about London Calling's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
How does Julian deal with Bobby, who bullies him, during their LARP games? Have you ever had to face bullying? What happened?
How are drinking, smoking, and drug use depicted? Are they glamorized? Are there consequences? Why does that matter?
When Benson says "a man solves his own problems," what is he trying to convey? Does the movie agree with him? What are the downsides of this philosophy?
Do characters demonstrate compassion? Why is that an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 19, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : October 19, 2025
- Cast : Josh Duhamel , Jeremy Ray Taylor , Rick Hoffman
- Director : Allan Ungar
- Studio : Quiver Distribution
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , Transportation ( Cars & Trucks )
- Run time : 114 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong/bloody violence, language throughout, drug use and some sexual content
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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