Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels DVD > Reviews > Its A Deal, Its A Steal, Its Sale Of The Century

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Outstanding
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Outstanding
Soundtrack	Outstanding

Advantages:	Vinnie Jones, a good story, Quality Entertainment
Disadvantages:	None to Speak of .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Whilst I was still at school this film came out and over the course of a couple of French lessons in my final year we watched this and I was almost instantly drawn to it. Obviously I was too young to have gone to the cinema to see it but it had been bought for me as a present when it did finally come out. Of course in case your not aware I'm talking about Guy Richie's debut film Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels.

Of course everyone wants to make a bit of money in the easiest possible way and these lads are no different. First up you got Bacon (Jason Statham) who sells stolen goods on street corners. Then you got Tom (Jason Flemyng) who is involved in everything he possibly can be. Eddie (Nick Moran) is an expert card player who gets involved in odd little bits with the other 2. And finally Soap (Dexter Fletcher), a chef by trade and called Soap as he tries to avoid the dodgy dealings of the other 3.

However the lads have hit an idea and have worked out that for 25 grand each they can get Eddie into a game of cards with Hatchet Harry Lonsdale (P.H. Moriarty). So armed with the 100 grand Eddie heads for the game but Harry has a trick up his sleeve, as Eddie's dad, JD (Sting), had beaten Harry in a game years ago and good ol' Hatchet is out for revenge.

He stitches the guys up cheating his way through the game and just as Eddie thinks he's got him Harry raises the stakes way above the money they brought with them. But being a nice and considerate gangster he offers to lend them the money, which Eddie foolishly accepts and proceeds to lose now owing Harry 500 grand. Not a good nights work. And what makes matters worse? Well the fact they have only a week to get the money back before they start losing fingers.

So how on earth will they get the money together and how can Eddie keep all this from his Dad who will kill him if he finds out. Well luckily the lads hear the neighbours talking through flimsy walls about a job, involving a lot of cash. Simple they rob the neighbours when they come back from the job and use the money to pay of Harry. Of course it's not simple, it wouldn't make a film otherwise. But that's all I'm telling you, so if you haven't already seen it your missing out.

As I mentioned this was Richie's debut film, but to be totally honest it would be very hard to tell. The story also written by him is superb and has a lot of different stories going on at once, but somehow they all make sense. Then eventually they all come together into one at the end, which is a testament to Richie's ability and talent. It also helps that it moves along smoothly with all the scenes well done and the small segments of special effects looking pretty spot on.

Casting wise as well Richie has got the right men for the job. A lot of the actors like Statham and Moran, had never been heard of before this film and really has launched them on the way to better things. Statham in this film really stands out of the 4 and is more believable as the main man of the group, the one with common sense. The other 3 lads are also outstanding, which helps to ensure Richie's first film is a success.

Of course these weren’t the only actors making their debut’s along with Richie. He had also given Ex Wimbledon midfielder Vinnie Jones his acting break, a chance which Vinnie grabbed with both hands. Having impressed so many with his role in this film, ironically as a thug, he has won many other roles after this film and has made the transition from Football star to film star. Mention of course as well to Sting and H.P. Moriarty who both put in superb performances as the feuding older characters with a grudge against each other.

Soundtrack wise this film is brilliant, in fact I actually bought the soundtrack on Cd when it came out, featuring the likes Of Ocean Colour Scene and Robbie Williams, it actually thrust a lot of British music onto the scene at the time as well as doing a lot of good for the film industry.

Of course I think upon watching the film no one in it actually brings the quality down, which is testament to Richie casting and script. This is a must see as I’m sure everyone will enjoy it. Available on video and Dvd and making the odd appearance on Tv, Richie’s debut film can definitely be looked upon as a success. It may not be the sole saviour of the British film industry but it certainly goes a long way to helping.

But be sure to stay clear of the Tv series made by Chris Evans Ginger productions it was truely aweful.