Rocknrolla (Blu-ray)

...is set for stardom. Anyway, RocknRolla provides the viewer with another look at London's criminal underground but as always with a little giggle inbetween.

PLOT -

The story is very much similar to Snatch and Lock Stock with a multitude of characters all involved in something sinister that eventually all connects up. The title of the film refers to Johnny Quid, a drug addicted rock star who is embroiled in the criminal ...
...blokes, birds and backhanders inside RocknRolla featurette and Guys Town featurette.
The blu-ray transfer gives crisp views for the various areas of London both under and overground.

OVERALL -

After directing Revolver, i was a little bit suspect as to what kind of trip Ritchie would take me on next. Revolver was a headache, but this is back to his original best, good script, a good story in the similar mould ... more

You kinda know what youre gonna get with a Guy Richie film, barring that one he did with Madonna! Ever since the masterpiece that was Lock Stock, Mr Ritchie has made his money by producing some good stories in the crime thriller/comedy genre and giving the multi-character, multi-angle slant and this one is no different. Why change a winning formula right? Mixing up and coming actors with true pros is one of Ritchie's little habits, this time its Toby Kebbell who is set for stardom. Anyway, RocknRolla provides the viewer with another look at London's criminal underground but as always with a little giggle inbetween.

PLOT -

The story is very much similar to Snatch and Lock Stock with a multitude of characters all involved in something sinister that eventually all connects up. The title of the film refers to Johnny Quid, a drug addicted rock star who is embroiled in the criminal underworld. His role is a big one in the larger scheme of things but only after the story takes us on the road to understanding the roles of all others involved. Archie, crime boss Lenny Cole's right hand man, provides narration for the audience during the film. Lenny has made his millions from bent real estate deals and is looking to make more money from a group of Russian organised criminals. Unfortunately their accountant Stella is looking to also gain a little from the investment and makes wild bunch members One Two, Mumbles and Handsome Bob aware of a cash transaction enabling the ex cons to steal the cash. In the meantime, the deal is also in jeopardy as a lucky painting that the Russians lent Lenny has been stolen. Not only this but word comes about that there is a snitch in the midst. Lots going on to keep the viewer entertained!

CHARACTERS -

OneTwo (Gerard Butler, 300) is a scottish gangster who is part of the wild bunch underground criminal circle. He is strong, brash and takes an instant liking to Stella

Mumbles (Idris Elba, American Gangster) is a close friend of OneTwo and also a member of the wildbunch.

Handsome Bob (Tom Hardy, Layer Cake) is good friends also with OneTwo and Mumbles and part of the wild bunch. He has a particular secret that OneTwo is unaware of.

Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson, Full Monty) is London's crime boss and a dealer in real estate. He is one of the remaining members of the old school mob

Archy (Mark Strong, Stardust) is Lenny's right hand man and a gangster in his own right. He is also the films narrator

Johnny Quid (Toby Kebbell, Control) is a RocknRolla. He is a successful rock star who is addicted to drugs. He is the step son of Lenny Cole

Stella (Thandie Newton, Run Fat Boy Run) is an accountant working for the Russians and also OneTwo's love interest

Uri (Karel Roden, Blade II) is a Russian oligarth who is looking to do a deal with Lenny on some real estate. He has ties to the Russian organised criminal world.

Roman (Jeremy Piven, Smoking Aces) is Johnny Quid's record producer and agent.

Mickey (Ludacris, Hustle & Flow) is Roman's partner who owns nightclubs around London.

As you can see there are a lot of characters that the audience must get to know and follow. It keeps the story moving however and we get to see some interesting connections towards the end

PERFORMANCES -

Shout out to Toby Kebbell who i first saw in the film Control and thought he was good then, he is brilliant in this. From my opinion there is a certain Russell Brand to his character, quick witted and intelligent despite his demons. The three members of the Wild bunch are also pretty good giving good comedy moments throughout the film

MUSIC -

Guy Ritchie has made a habit of placing good music in his films and this is no different, the soundtrack has the following tracks on it

Im a Man - Black Strobe
Have Love Will Travel - The Sonics
Bankrobber - The Clash
The Trip - Kim Fowley
Ruskies - Steve Isles
Outlaw - War
Waiting For A Train - Flash and the Pan
Rock and Roll Queen - Subways
The Gun - Lou Reed
The Stomp - The Hives
We Had Love - The Scientists
Mirror in the Bathroom - The Beat
Funnel of Love - Wanda Jackson
Such a Fool - 22-20s
Dopilsya - Ex Sector Gaza
Negra Leono - Miguelito Valdes

TECHNICAL STUFF -

Directed by Guy Ritchie whose previous films include, Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrells, Snatch, Mean Machine and Revolver. I believe this is the first time he has worked without producer Mathew Vaughn who went onto direct Layer Cake.
Run time 114 minutes
DVD extras include audio commentary from Guy Ritchie, deleted scenes, blokes, birds and backhanders inside RocknRolla featurette and Guys Town featurette.
The blu-ray transfer gives crisp views for the various areas of London both under and overground.

OVERALL -

After directing Revolver, i was a little bit suspect as to what kind of trip Ritchie would take me on next. Revolver was a headache, but this is back to his original best, good script, a good story in the similar mould to Snatch and Lock Stock and good performances by all. Yes it is unoriginal but he has a style and he is sticking to it, its not as good as Lock Stock and not quite as funny as Snatch but it provides a good ride. Looking forward to the second instalment of the 'Real RocknRolla. 

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