... ~
The 51st State
After watching this recently on E4 I decided for my 50th review to do a all time classic film. I do own the movie on DVD but haven't watched it for a while until Monday. When the film first came out I remember renting it on DVD from the local shop. What instantly attracted ... Read review
Nothing could prepare the tough Liverpool underworld for golf-club-wielding, kilt-clad ... more
Elmo McElroy (Jackson). He's here on business, and he's burnt more than bridges back in LA. Babysitting him is the last thing on local hood Felix's (Carlyle) mind. H...
Kilt-wearing American Elmo McElroy (Samuel L. Jackson) an illegal drug chemist travels ... more
to Liverpool hoping to find a market for his new designer drug (which is supposed to be 51 times more effective than cocaine hence the title) after double-crossin...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
(+) Because of the new series the box set isn't complete, which means it will be cheaper! (-) It isnt the complete box set so you'll have to buy the new dvds seperatly or wait for the new set!
Production Year: 2003 - Comedy - Director: John Crowley - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Colin Farrell, Shirley Henderson, Cillian Murphy, Colm Meaney, Rory Keenan, Laurence Kinlan
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Advantages: Excellent cast, Great Comedy, Good storyline Disadvantages: Not for those who dont like bad lanaguage and violence
...~
The 51st State
After watching this recently on E4 I decided for my 50th review to do a all time classic film. I do own the movie on DVD but haven't watched it for a while until Monday. When the film first came out I remember renting it on DVD from the local shop. What instantly attracted me to the film was not just one of my favourite genres (Gangster and Comedy) but the number of well respected actors starring in ... ...like his other films. Reading the back of the cover I was drawn in by the funny and interesting narrative and the collection of images surrounding it. Being an 18 my mum had to get it for me and my friend as we got the film to watch while babysitting at 16. The film is a definite must see and for those of you who haven't seen it this review is for you to say that you must!
~ My 50th Review- Nice Wheels. Dirty Deals. And One Mean Mother In A Kilt. ~
The 51st State
After watching this recently on E4 I decided for my 50th review to do a all time classic film. I do own the movie on DVD but haven't watched it for a while until Monday. When the film first came out I remember renting it on DVD from the local shop. What instantly attracted me to the film was not just one of my favourite genres (Gangster and Comedy) but the number of well respected actors starring in it. The main Samuel L Jackson made it seem more appealing as he is a great actor and I like his other films. Reading the back of the cover I was drawn in by the funny and interesting narrative and the collection of images surrounding it. Being an 18 my mum had to get it for me and my friend as we got the film to watch while babysitting at 16. The film is a definite must see and for those of you who haven't seen it this review is for you to say that you must!
~ INFO ~
Director- Ronny Yu
Ronny Yu is a famous director from china and is known for his hits in the eighties. He has worked with many lead actors and has a very well respected reputation. Some of his other films he has directed include- Freddy Vs Jason (2003), Bride of Chucky (1998) and Warriors of Virtue (1997) as well as many Chinese movies. He has created all genre movies and horror and martial arts. Ronny Yu has won several awards for his films such as, a special Jury Prize for Bride of Chucky and Best Film for his success 'Bai Fa Mo Nu Zhuan'.
Writer- Stel Pavlou Producers- David Pupkewitz, Malcom Kohll, Mark Aldridge, Andras Hamori. Distributed- Momentum Pictures, Paramount Pictures. Release Date- 7 December 2001 (UK) Runtime- 92 Mins Certificate- 18
~ Main Characters ~
Samuel L Jackson- Elmo McElroy Elmo is a high class violent drug dealer who is trying to sell a new formula to clients. He is mean, violent and doesn't take any crap. He has respect a lot of clients and is treated like royalty when he visits the UK.
Emily Mortimer- Dakota Parker The main kick ass female in the film. She is independent, dangerous and in control of herself. She is a hitman for the Lizard and is out to do one more job before she starts a new life. There is a past with character Felix.
Robert Carlyle- Felix Desouza Felix is stuck with chemist and dealer Elmo in Liverpool and he doesn't seem to get on with him. After the meeting goes wrong and most of the gang dies he has to show Elmo around as he looks for a new buyer.
Meatloaf- The Lizard The Lizard is a well off mobster boss who is out for Elmo and hires Dakota to sort him out. He is well known and is violent among is gang. He seems to not take any crap like Elmo and gets what he wants done for him.
~ OTHER CHARACTERS ~
Michael J Reynolds- Mr Escobar- Blessed, Dark Corners Rhys Ifans- Iki.- Little Nicky, Hannibal Rising. David Webber- Mr Jones Jake Abraham- Konokko Nick Bartlett- Trevor Mac McDonald- Mr Davidson Paul Barber- Fredrick Christopher Hunter- Lawrence Stephen Walters- Blowfish
~ PLOT ~
A dangerous and mean drug dealer and chemist Elmo flies to Liverpool to sell his latest formula of drugs that are 51 times stronger than any other such as coke and ecstasy. The meeting for dealings go wrong when hitman or women shall we say Dakota fires upon the room. Elmo is left with gang member and streetwise Felix who hates yanks and hates the situation. Elmo has to sell the formula before other gangs hear about it and off him which some do try including a gang of skinheads.
~ OPINIONS OVERALL ~
Even though by the plot it sounds like any other gangster film, The 51st State's comedy values make it unique from the rest. Even though it has similarities to other British gangster films like Lock Stock and Snatch it includes a lot more. Although it includes violence and a lot of swearing it made me laugh the whole way through especially from Robert Carlyle. His character is hilarious and gives the film a combination of values. Felix seems not to care about much and doesn't care about other local gangs. He can take care of himself and knows how to deal with competition. Knowing he hates yanks and then having to be stuck with one, he and Elmo don't seem to understand each other at first. He doesn't show the same respect as the others do toward him and thinks he knows it all. He is a typical Scouser; Liverpool football fan that is tough minded and has a bad attitude. One particular scene which shows how daring he is- is where he enters a pub. The pub is fall of Manchester United fans and he enters with his Liverpool shirt on and causes a scene. He seems to love the attention and danger and deliberately stirs tension to get the whole pub anger and they chase him out. I love the character and it is a great performance by Robert. The witty comments by him just make the film so much more. One of my favourites is where he and Elmo are being chased and they drive down Liverpool streets. Felix- Oh Bullocks! . Elmo- Dog's Bullocks? . Felix- No, just plain fucking bullocks!. Elmo. No dog involved? The characters were casted well and many of them were likeable. Meatloaf's character was also played well, thinking after this that he is a better actor than singer (no offence to Meatloaf fans lol). He plays a gang boss very well showing his ruthless and temper toward the mobsters.
The film has everything you need in a gangster film as well as comedy. There is a big car chase through the streets of Liverpool with explosive action and the fast pace keeps you well attentive. There is also the drugs, guns, gangs and fights all the way through. The action sequences are done perfectly combining all the characteristics and the witty humour. Even though the narrative doesn't really show a difference to other films of this genre the action and atmosphere created make up for it. It is exciting and entertaining through the whole time.
Being a British gangster film it was good to see most of the setting in the UK. The locations were perfect grimy and keeping the dark, gloomy atmosphere just right. The style of the film is brilliant- the gruesome visuals of deaths and the explosions keep it alive. There were a lot of different weapons used and a lot of fire power.
~ EXTRAS ~
- In the US and Canada the film is known as Formula 51. - Filming Locations- Liverpool, Manchester, LA and Mexico.
~ DVD ~ The DVD can be brought on Play.com for only £3.99!!
Special Features
• Audio Commentary with screenwriter Stel Pavlou • 'Making Of' Featurette • On-set video diary • Interview with screenwriter Stel Pavlou • Photo gallery • Trailer • Interactive menu • Scene access • Cast and Crew Interviews
Extras
Screen- Widescreen 2.35:1 Anamorphic Languages- English Dolby Digital Region- 2 Only playable in Europe region 2.
~ RECOMMEND ~
The 51st State is a definite must see film. It is funny, interesting and entertaining and should get more credit than it has got. The plot is good, the characters are brilliant and it has a lot included to keep your attention. Being a British Gangster film you can enjoy the locations, witty humour and excellent cast.
*Thanks for reading* Blackmagicstar4* FEB 2009* published on Ciao and Dooyoo.
“ALL LANGUAGES ARE THIEVES!” shouted the front of one of my GCSE English worksheets (I’m surprised I can remember that far back!). The same can be said for some films – Blair Witch may or may not be a twist on The Last Broadcast, Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World is a blatant rip off of Jurassic Park (not to mention a complete piece of crap – a girl using gymnastics in a survival situation? WHAT THE HELL?), and Fantasia ... ...at the palace of Disney. Ironically, for a film about a wonder drug, many a moment from this Brit-scripted feature seems dependent on themes and ideas from other sources to keep the boat afloat.
***THE PLOT (‘cause I love ya!)***
Many moons ago (well, the Sixties), afro-sporting Elmo (not “Ha! Ha! That tickles!” Elmo, before you ask) MacElroy (Samuel L Jackson, the baddest mofo in movies today) is driving down an unnamed American ...
peppersinclaire 21.12.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The 51st State (DVD)
Advantages: An excellent action packed thriller complete with the master of the genre; Samuel L. Jackson. Disadvantages: Not one I'd want to watch on a regular basis.
'The 51st State' is the 2001 film from the director Ronny Yu. I'd been meaning to watch this film for a while, and having caught it on E4 am definitely glad that I finally managed to give it a go. Having previously directed the 'Bride of Chucky' film and more recently having directed 'Freddy vs. Jason', much of Ronny Yu's directorial experience is in Hong Kong cinema and to date it is only these three English language films that he has directed. ... ...fan of his work in the English language and 'The 51st State' is no exception to this rule.
Starring Samuel L. Jackson as master chemist Elmo McElroy, 'The 51st State' tells the tale of Elmo and his quest to part with his 'Formula 51' in a multi million dollar deal. Elmo muses that his drug formula is '51 times stronger than cocaine, 51 times more hallucinogenic than acid, and 51 times more explosive than ecstasy'; quite a big boast that understandably ...
RazzaLazza 08.03.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The 51st State (DVD)
Advantages: funny in places, great cast, entertaining, holds your attention throughout Disadvantages: lots of swearing, plenty of blood and gore, not for the squeamish (Harry Potter, it ain't!)
Samuel L Jackson – the epitome of COOL. Tall, gorgeous, oodles of charisma. He shone in Pulp Fiction and is back in a similar role, gracing our screens once again.
The movie 51st State is full of enduring visual images – most of which seem to include an awful lot of blood and guts – but the one I walked away with is that of Samuel L Jackson resplendent in a kilt, proving that men can look the height of fashion in a kilt – ... ...tell this just by reading the cast list. We seem to have half of the ‘Brit Pack’ here with Robert Carlyle, Sean Pertwee and Rhys Ifans having major parts to play. Add to this mixture Paul Barber (The Full Monty), Michael Starke (Brookside’s Sinbad), Ricky Tomlinson (The Royle Family) and the multi-talented rock star and actor, Meatloaf (Rocky Horror Picture Show). Are you impressed yet?
Jackson plays Elmo McElroy, a graduate of ...
KarenUK 14.12.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The 51st State (DVD)
Advantages: A big star in a brit movie Disadvantages: Lumbering plot
...that I immediately noted in the Radio Times as a definate. The film seems to have everything, a 'Brit movie' feel from the late ninties (released in 2001), Samuel L. Jackson who has been considered the height of cool for years and with the Star Wars movies and Shaft just seems to be getting stronger. Also Robert Carlyle who I loved in Trainspotting and is also proving himself to be an excellent actor.
The plot revolves around Jackson's character ... ...after taking some refreshment on the way. After losing his licence to practice he obviously does what every other failed pharmacologist does and has become a master drug chemist. He is working for 'The Lizard' (Meatloaf) and has invited his boss and friends over to test his new wonder drug 'Formula 51'. However it's a trap, McElroy skips town after taking out his former boss and his friends and heads to Liverpool to sell the formula for £20M to a ...
pdoyle007 22.04.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The 51st State (DVD)
...to answer for - with the phenomenal success and acclaim of his twin smashes, Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, Ritchie completely redefined the gangster movie genre and brought a new approach to the whole business of film making, with odd angles, bizarre characters and a rich new tapestry of language - Anglo Saxon, I think it’s known as. Both films were epics and immensely enjoyable, but unfortunately and somewhat predictably they spawned ... ...It’s just that next to the caustic and sharp work of Mr Ritchie it just suffers a little too much by comparison. The quick fire cuts from scene to scene, the slightly obscure playing and the mannered script (particularly those bits featuring Robert Carlyle as the manic Felix De Souza) just come across as forced and flawed, like writer Stel Pavlou spent too many hours checking out the larger than life wit of Snatch and tried to cram in all of the ...
dave27 30.12.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of The 51st State (DVD)
Elmo McElroy, an American master chemist makes plans to do a twenty million dollar drug deal. Unfortunately for him things don't go exactly to plan...
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
MOMENTUM PICTURES; TECHNICOLOR DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
Release date
07/10/2002
No of Discs
1
Catalogue No
MP 165 D
Barcode
5060021175656
Languages
Main Language
English
Subtitle Language
English
Technical information
Special Features
Audio Commentary, Making Of Featurette, 3 Production Featurettes, Who The Hell Is Stel Pavlou Featurette, Photo Gallery, Trailer, Cast And Crew Interviews
Aspect Ratio
2.35 Wide Screen, 16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound
DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound
DTS 5.1 English Dolby Digital 5.1 English
DVD Description
Kilt-wearing master chemist Elmo McElroy (Samuel L. Jackson) has developed a new drug that is more potent then cocaine or Ecstasy. Best of all, none of the ingredients are illegal, meaning that this substance could easily be sold worldwide. Unfortunately for McElroy, he is caught in the snare of psychotic drug kingpin the Lizard (Meat Loaf). McElroy's attempts to escape his boss and start a new life land him in Liverpool, England, where he encounters Felix DeSouza (Robert Carlyle), the America-hating henchman of a local drug lord. DeSouza and McElroy find themselves on a wild, dangerous ride as they try to make a deal that will net them some major cash and give them a chance to start over. In the meantime, Dakota (Emily Mortimer)--a beautiful assassin who happens to be DeSouza's ex-girlfriend--is sent by the Lizard to kill McElroy, but ends up becoming his guardian angel. The quirky cast of characters also includes Rhys Ifans as Iki, a disturbed drug dealer and rave host; Sean Pertwee as Detective Virgil Kane; Ricky Tomlinson as the haemorrhoid-plagued Leopold Durant; and, a group of skinheads who want in on the deal. The film is directed by Ronny Yu (BRIDE OF CHUCKY).
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