Layer Cake (2004)

 Dull but not Totally Boring
Do not watch this movie expecting Snatch or Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels. Even though the source material has some fun in it, similar to the two previously mentioned films, the life is stripped out of Layer Cake in this crime world quasi-drama where 3 story lines (well... 3 *main* story lines) intersect at one person whose life gets turned upside down in an instant.

But all the story lines lay flat. There are no characters that you really care about enough to stay with. They feel almost too polished because they are supposed to be uber-cool drug dealers. But that also makes them very forgetable. There is no character development that makes them jump off the page. This makes the movie dull.

It is not a total loss though. There are cool concepts. Guilt of murder, retribution, and endless double crossing are just a few. None are taken to full developement, but are good points to ponder what could have been. There are nice cinematic shots, which is also interesting. And there are a few points (including the ending) that I think were pleasant departures from the norm. These factors make it 'not boring.'

In feel, it actually reminded me of 'Lucky Number Slevin.' Not in story line (although the crime bosses and double cross components are there), but rather in overall style. That movie is better than Layer Cake. I would recommend that movie before this one. If you are a Daniel Craig fan, I would get this on sale somewhere. Don't pay top dollar. April 11, 2008

 Layer Cake (Blu-Ray)
My home theatre screen was electrified with this wonderful Blu-Ray movie. The movie was received in a timely manner and in excellent condition. I shall order more Blu-Ray as soon as they are on sale. April 6, 2008

 Great criminal fun......
A arrogant and ambitious mid-level criminal gets schooled in how the Big Fish swim...and why a Small Fish should never be underestimated....

A true "must-see" for lovers of top-notch crime/action/drama. March 13, 2008

 Don't Miss this Gem
It's been a little over a year now since I first saw this movie, and it still sticks with me. Everyone I have recommended this gem to says they have not been disappointed. At times subtle, at times like a kick in the head (literally), all the players turn in superb performances. You'll never listen to Duran Duran's "Ordinary World" again wiithout thinking of this movie! February 15, 2008

 Best In Its Class
British crime movie in the vain of Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels or Snatch. It's mostly a drama but there is action and dark comedy mixed in. Great fleshed-out characters. Soundtrack includes some great '80s brit-pop/new wave. Top notch acting by everyone involved. You can definitely see why Daniel Craig got the Bond gig. Takes itself a bit more serious than Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels and it's actually a better movie. In my opinion, the pinnacle (so far) of the plot -twisting British crime movies. January 8, 2008

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