2009 is still fading, but one of the better titles of 2010 looms on the horizon. 44 Inch Chest, which is sure to lead to a rash of accidental rentals and VOD purchases in the years hence, is the debut feature from Malcolm Venville, and a collection of whiskey-soaked voices if ever there was one. Ray Winstone, Ian McShane, Tom Wilkinson, John Hurt and Stephen Dillane star in the film, whose tagline (“The measure of revenge”) makes matters clear, even if its title doesn’t.

A jazzy, profane exploration of the male ego’s breaking point from the writers of Sexy Beast, the British movie centers on a collection of pals who kidnap the younger French lover of their friend’s wife, who has been cheating on him. This craziness is ignited by Joanne Whalley, whose performance is described as exuding “Helen Mirren-like sensuality,” which, I freely admit, did cause me to yelp out loud in amusement, if also go watch the fun-looking trailer. So… mission accomplished, publicity packet writer. 44 Inch Chest plays in Los Angeles at the Nuart Theatre from January 15 through January 28; for a list of other theatrical engagements, extending into February and March, click here.