Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"I don't want to know who you use, as long as they're not complete muppets", 31 Aug 2007
For a while during the 90's it felt like the only credible movies to come out of the UK film industry had to star Hugh Grant with his floppy hair do and a Richard Curtis script, or Ewan McGregor starring as Ewan McGregor in various films most of them excellent. However, then came along Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels like a breath of fresh air.
Released towards the end of the so called `cool Britannia' period of the 90's, it must not be underestimated what an impact this film had on the UK film scene and cinema goers at the time of release. Superb cinematography, slick editing, a script full of whit and a killer soundtrack all combining to give us a classic `mockney' British crime caper, the film even has a cliff hanger ending that can only have been inspired by the Italian Job, but unlike some I do not have a problem with that. Although he was never been able to fully repeat the success achieved with Lock Stock, Guy Richie in terms of his direction and production values, is to date the closest the UK has had to Quentin Tarantino with Lock Stock as the British Pulp fiction.
The basic story is set around groups of people whose lives become interwoven (or ended) through fate, misunderstanding or planning. Pot growing ex Graduates making money for local hard man Rory Breaker, A bunch of small time criminals headed by Dog, a fencer by the name of Nick the Greek, a group of friends in a tight spot, one of whom has Sting as his Dad! Porn king Hatchet Harry and his cohorts, and a pair of bungling `northern' burglars. Add into the mix a rigged card game, a bungled burglary, a chaotic robbery, a successful heist, 2 gangs ending up in the wrong shoot out, a cliff hanger ending, plot twists, guns, dodgy weed, and a classic script full memorable dialogue:
Eddie: They're armed.
Soap: Armed, armed with what?
Eddie: Err, bad breath, colorful language, feather duster... what do you think they're gonna be armed with? Guns, you t*t!
The memorable scene where big Chris (Vinnie Jones) finishes the character Dog by smashing his head repeatedly against a car door, despite its violent nature, seems somehow poetic as it is the only violent act of this level that Big Chris commits during the film, and it is to defend his son. This scene is typical of the film, the humour is dark and there is violence, but I was never left with the feeling that I had watched a violent film. Ritchie is clever here as the actual blood and guts level you actually see on film is minimal with the suggestion being enough.
All of the above combine to make Lock Stock essential viewing for anyone that is a fan of British Crime thrillers and caper. However do not mistake this film as a serious gangster movie in the mould of `A long good Friday' or `Get Carter' think more along the lines of a cross between the original Italian Job with Pulp fiction and you are closer.
Ignore previous film snob reviewers who can't see past the end of their Guardian newspaper media section, who have said this film is "glamorisation of working-class gangsters by middle class lads". The questions one needs to ask are, was it entertaining? and did I enjoy watching it? And the answer to that with Lock Stock is a big fat yes. At no time does this film aspire to be a gritty documentary, factual or truthful. It is simply a tongue very firmly planted in cheek, feel good, stylish caper that is well directed and great fun to watch. I would give this film 6 stars out of five if I could, as regardless of genre, it is unquestionably a modern classic film, and one the best British films to emerge in the last 20 years.
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spawned a thousand fake cockney accents., 15 Mar 2000
By A Customer
Well what can be said? Guy Ritchie has come up with an absolute belter of a gangster/black comedy. It cracks along at a wonderful pace, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you follow the capers of the four protagonists. Each scene and character provides amusement and engagement. This film has also given thousands of unfunny blokes the opportunity to annoy everyone by quoting the film far too much (Dan and Michael, if you are reading this, take heed). Also notable for ressurecting the career of the oft-forgotten star of the fine television programme 'Press Gang' , Dexter Fletcher. With great cinematography, fine performances, a good witty script, engaging narrative and great big guns, lock, stock is a must for any film enthusiast.
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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a good film!, 31 Dec 2008
The film 'Swept Away' might have failed as miserably as Guy Richard's marriage, but his first cinematic effort was a thumping good movie! It's rather akin to how I would expect a big-screen version of 'Eastenders' to turn out (except with rather more swearing and slightly fewer shrieks of 'RICKY!!!'). It's great to see that these DVDs are available for purchase, once more! There's nothing more frustrating than logging into amazon, only to find that they're "out of (Lock,) Stock (and Two Smoking Barrels)"!!!!!!!!!!!
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