A Perfect Blend Of Intelligence,Humor And Suspense

Rating: 10/10 (22 October 2012)

British writer Guy Ritchie made his feature directorial debut with this crime-caper comedy-drama set in London's East End and heavy on the Cockney dialogue in this movie entitled,Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The story is a heist film involving a self-confident young card sharp who loses £500,000 to a powerful crime lord in a rigged game of three card brag. In order to pay off his debts, he and his friends decide to rob a small-time gang who happen to be operating out of the flat next door. The film brought Guy Ritchie international acclaim and introduced actors Vinnie Jones, a former Welsh international footballer, and Jason Statham, a former street merchant, to worldwide audiences.Jason Flemyng,Dexter Fletcher,Nick Moran,Steven Mackintosh and Sting co-star to play key supporting roles.
A big-bucks scheme goes awry: Cardsharp Eddy and pals Bacon,Tom, and Soap scuffle to pile up enough money to put Eddy at the card table opposite gangland porn lord Hatchet Harry. Unfortunately, the whole plan backfires, leaving Eddy owing Harry a huge sum, payable within the week. In truth, Harry hopes to acquire the bar run by his rival, J.D., who is Eddy's father. To raise the cash, Eddy sets out to steal from a marijuana business run by Winston,but the inevitable gun play doesn't make for an easy heist.
This is one of those movies that was destined to become an instant cult classic.Although some comparisons were drawn between Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino, it would be unfair to discount the brilliant wit of the story and the innovative camera-work that the director brings to his debut feature.Indicative of the social stratosphere in London, Ritchie's movie is a hilarious and at times touching account of friendships and loyalty. The director and his mates clearly are enjoying themselves here. This comes across in some shining performances, in particular from ex- footballer Vinnie Jones (Big Chris) and an over-the-top Vas Blackwood, who very nearly steals the show. Full of quirky vernacular and clever tension-packed action sequences,this movie is a triumph which is a perfect blend of intelligence, humor, and suspense.