A Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (24 August 2008)

It's difficult to list films that have had the same effect on their genre that Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels has. I defy any reader to name me a British gangster film made in the last ten years that does not have some resemblance to director Guy Richie's 1998 Magnum Opus.
But what is it, you may ask, that makes Lock Stock so excellent, so worthy of emulations? Well, let's start with the dialogue. Richie's script cracks with wit, humour and a strong sense of authenticity. The characters are well acted and larger than life, with household names of British cinema such as Jason Statham, Jason Flemyng and Frank Harper making their characters unique.
Plot also contributes greatly to the film's excellence. It revolves around professional gambler Ed (Nick Moran) and his friends, who seek an easy earner in an illegal poker game. Unfortunately, thanks to a spot of unfair play it goes awry, with the four owing money to local gangster, 'Hatchet' Harry Lonsdale. With a week to pay off the debt, the four stumble on a plan involving a large quantity of ganja, Ed's psychotic neighbours, privately educated drug dealers and a football mad psychopath with an afro...
Lock Stock also features a powerful, gritty soundtrack, with songs from Robbie Williams, James Brown and a host of other talents.