“The Drop” is a crime drama that’s blessed with a Grade A pedigree. The screenplay was penned by “Mystic River” and “Gone Baby Gone” scribe Dennis Lehane, who based his script on his short story “Animal Rescue.” The film’s director, Michaël R. Rosmak, gained his share of acclaim for the 2011 film “Bullhead.” Coming out September 19th, this Brooklyn set drama stars late actor James Gandolfini, Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, and “Bullhead” actor Matthias Schoenaerts.

Hardy, who will also be seen in the April release “Locke,” plays Bob Saginowski, a sad sack bartender who aids local criminals with their various money drops. His boss and cousin Marv (James Gandolfini) was once a feared man in the underworld (at least that’s what he says), and after a robbery compromises their livelihood, Marv dips his feet into shady waters once again.

Gandolfini, best known as a conflicted mob boss on “The Sopranos,” excelled at playing criminals who long for their past glories. He recently inhabited such a role in “Killing Them Softly,” starring as an assassin named Mickey who, after being paid on a corrupt company’s dime, boozes his way to oblivion and fails to get the job done.

“The Drop” trailer portrays Marv as a guy who’s tired of being pushed around, and like Mickey, may is too nostalgic for his own good. Unlike Mickey, Marv is ready for a little action. Since I haven’t read Lehane’s short story, I have no idea how this all plays out.

With talented, top of the line talent, “The Drop” is one of my must see films this year. Seeing Hardy, who critics often liken to a modern day Marlon Brando, mixing it up with Gandolfini is one of the many reasons why “The Drop” should deliver the goods.

Check out the trailer below:

Photo Credit: Fox Searchlight, Barry Wetcher