Sometimes over-the-top, but generally entertaining

Rating: 7/10 (27 August 2007)

This film starts out, after a brief stylish introduction, with a TV-like introduction sequence that lists all the characters by their nickname in flashy stylish manner and for much of the film, keeps with its flash. But for all of its fast-cutting, special-effect-happy direction and montage, there's still a decent semi-comedic caper film in there at the same time and that keeps Snatch from falling into the pit of being all looks and no substance.
Most of the characters are really one note, which is fine because the cast is enormous. The humor is very British (not surprisingly) but also broad enough that most audiences should be able to pick it up. As for the story, it's basically a story about dumb luck and a lot of it during a series on crimes that all lead to people dying, winning or losing, whether by fortune, misfortune, or in some cases, actual planning. The worst of the baddies get their due. The least bad of the baddies, sometimes get away, like in all straight caper films.
The over-the-top style of the film is a little distracting at times and I often wanted writer-director Guy Ritchie to settle down at times because it was detracting from my ability to coherently follow the story, but sometimes the inserts, cuts and camera tricks added value to the humor and the situations (my favorite being the Franky Four Fingers still inserts). Being the only Ritchie film I've seen, I don't have much to compare it to, but I'm hoping that he's learned more discipline in knowing when to apply his tricks and when to hold back and let his writing do the work.
It's not a very complicated film, but it does its job well as a fun caper film and it doesn't really aim to be a whole lot more than that. So I say it's an enjoyable way to spend an evening. 7/10.