Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (1999)

Cockney boys Tom, Soap, Eddie, and Bacon are in a bind; they owe seedy criminal and porn king "Hatchet" Harry a sizable amount of cash after Eddie loses half a million in a rigged game of poker. Hot on their tails is a thug named Big Chris who intends to send them all to the hospital if they don't come up with the cash in the allotted time. Add into the mix an incompetent set of ganja cultivators, two dimwitted robbers, a "madman" with an afro, and a ruthless band of drug dealers and you have an astonishing movie called Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Before the boys can blink, they are caught up in a labyrinth of double-crosses that lead to a multitude of dead bodies, copious amounts of drugs, and two antique rifles.

Written and directed by talented newcomer Guy Ritchie, this is one of those movies that was destined to become an instant cult classic à la Reservoir Dogs. Although some comparisons were drawn between Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino, it would be unfair to discount the brilliant wit of the story and the innovative camerawork that the director brings to his debut feature. Not since The Krays has there been such an accurate depiction of the East End and its more colorful characters. Indicative of the social stratosphere in London, Ritchie's movie is a hilarious and at times touching account of friendships and loyalty. The director and his mates (who make up most of the cast) clearly are enjoying themselves here. This comes across in some shining performances, in particular from ex-footballer Vinnie Jones (Big Chris) and an over-the-top Vas Blackwood (as Rory Breaker), who very nearly steals the show. Full of quirky vernacular and clever tension-packed action sequences, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a triumph--a perfect blend of intelligence, humor, and suspense. --Jeremy Storey Amazon.com

Now here's a switch on a switch on a switch...

Okay, so my title is taken from a movie that has no relation whatsoever to this British gem (`Paris When is Sizzles') but it was that movie that really explains well why this movie is so amazing. In `Paris When is Sizzles', Hepburn and Holden are constantly talking about the importance of the switch in filmmaking, that is a plot twist that catches the audience off guard and captures the attention. They go back and forth about switches on switches on switches. `Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' has switches in spades. Yes, if any movie can captivate you with its numerous plot shifts and character developments, it is this wildly entertaining British masterpiece.

The film follows four friends, Tom, Soap, Eddie and Bacon, as they attempt to get themselves out of the seriously deep whole they've dug for themselves. You see, they owe a large sum of money to some very dangerous people and it seems that no matter how much progress they make there is always yet another snag for them to overcome. Yes, to list all the characters and their involvement in this crime thriller would be pointless for not only would it take far too long but it would ultimately take away from the end result of the film (thus your enjoyment) and so technically all I want to say about the plot is what I have said; namely that these four men owe one man a lot of money.

And thus begins this very thrilling rollercoaster ride.

Guy Ritchie (more famous for his iconic bride than anything else) really should be more famous by now. I've seen a few of his films, this being the best I think, but his style is very impressive all the way around. He has a sort of cult status at this point, but honestly, he should be much more successful than he is. The way he perfectly constructs this film is just brilliant, delivering a non-stop thrill ride that can wage battle with the best of Tarantino.

Yes, `Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' is Tarantino good.

The acting is impressive across the board; Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran and Jason Stathum delivering solid performances as the four men in question. But it's not only these four stars that deliver. Everyone involved is fully invested and wholly convincing in their respective roles (Vinnie Jones and Vas Blackwood are major standouts). It's these performances that elevate the film even higher than the magnificent script and brilliant directing already take it.

In the end I must say that `Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' is a definite must see; one of the greatest films of 1998 and a true eye opener at that. It is funny, exciting, thrilling and from start to finish it is nothing short of entertaining. Guy Ritchie has continued to produce this very same breed of British gangster film, but I'm not sure that any have really reached the level of perfection that this film has achieved (I admit to not having seen all of Ritchie's work, although I must say that everything I have seen has visually been stunning). If you want something that is fresh and fun then this is the film you have been waiting for. September 8, 2008

Another B-list smash hit from Guy Ritchie

To be blunt, this movie is a MUST SEE. For those who've seen 'Snatch' (many of us have been riveted to the screen for multiple viewings), this earlier release is as satisfying as a mountain of buttery mashed-potatoes at Thanksgiving. Ritchie cleverly uses some of the same talented actors (in completely different roles) to prepare this buffet of violence and brilliant acting. Multiple precarious and fast-paced scenarios inevitably run head-on at eachother as if drawn by the power of giant magnet. Upon meeting in a clash, the chaos and irony is unmatched. Action and violence are pushed to the limits and those left standing are our heroes...yes, even the bad guys. For lovers of action films, this movie should be in your library. Same goes for lovers of intelligent scripts, bitter sarcasm and non-stop movement. August 3, 2008

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

This is one of my favorite movies. I saw it I was on a plane and kept attracting quizzical looks from the other passengers every time I laughed out loud. Even after many viewings I am still laughing out loud. July 28, 2008

Hilarious

I love Jason Statham and got this movie and "Snatch" to add to my collection. While he isn't the star of the movie, he does play an interesting character. I'm not normally a fan of British films and humor, but I love these films. You'll watch them over and over again and always find something new. And you will have to watch them a few times to catch everything. May 21, 2008

AWESOME!!!

This is an amazing movie! It has a great story with tons of action and a great comedic twist. Pay attention because the twists don't stop until the very end. Check it out, definately. April 7, 2008

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