Buy it. You better buy it!

Rating: 8/10 (23 August 1999)

Lock Stock has much to offer and will go down as a classic of British film. Guy Ritchie's first outing to the world of feature films is one that exudes a talent long lost (hard to find!) in the world of hollywood.
Lock Stock offers an emmersive storyline that will have you on the edge of your seat as you watch the seperate plots twist and turn and climax together in an almost surreal joining that will have you marvel at it's brilliance. (10/10)
Guy's directing is simply demonstrated by his ability to use unknown actors (The Govn'r (real life wide boy), Vinnie (football hardcase)) and intergrate them into the film seamlessly, a true mark of ability for any director.
The switching between plots is perfect, keeping you guessing exactly how each subplot effects the others and drumming your fingers waiting for that inevitable collision that is bound to happen. The theme track that supplements the film is a lesson to the many directors who are yet to realise how to harness its value adding abilty.
Art direction / cinematography is brilliant but one has to say that Guy owes a lot to Martin Scorcesse, from the card scene to car door scene (you'll understand when you see it), although this lacks his own imagination he does it very well, and he shows a lot of potential in this area. (9/10 -2 for copying).
In round up this film is a must see, but has been made for a british audience, and may not translate well (the use of language is half its charm). See this film and if you understand everything said first time round 'get yourself down to the nuclear sub and order yourself the most ping pong tiddly that you can afford in celebration.
Overall : 9 out of 10