Category Archives: Crime

Comedy, Crime, No Spoiler Reviews

SNATCH (2000): More Of The Witty, Fast & Clever…

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Brad Pitt isn’t the only big-name star in Snatch (2000), Guy Ritchie’s follow-up to Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (1998). Benicio Del Toro and Dennis Farina make two more very welcome stateside additions.

Snatch (2000), Brad Pitt, Jason Flemyng
Snatch (2000), Brad Pitt, Jason Flemyng

Snatch is a fun British gangster film with fast, witty dialogue delivered by engaging characters. To reference just three, a ‘dodgy Russian’, a loud Jewish American and a bunch of well organised Irish Gypsies. You can certainly expect plenty including clever antics, a few not so clever but very entertaining antics and some ‘healthy’ double crossing for good measure.

I’ve heard some criticise Snatch and Lock Stock for being ‘all surface and no substance‘. That may be true to a degree, but sometimes surface is exactly what you need for your movie fix. What I can pretty much promise you about Snatch is this, you won’t feel anywhere near as cheated as you probably did after watching the last two instalments of the Hangover (2009) trilogy. Believe me!

Snatch (2000), Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Stephen Graham
Snatch (2000), Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Stephen Graham

Watch Snatch if only to see Brad Pitt’s interpretation of a version of the Irish accent, and Benicio Del Toro being brilliant and as effortlessly cool as always.

Did I already say that the last 20 minutes is super? No? Well, ‘The last 20 minutes are super‘.

Happy Film Loving, of the ‘surface and no substance’ variety,

G

Comedy, Crime, No Spoiler Reviews

LOCK STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS (1998): Brilliant British Film

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Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels (1998), Nick Moran
Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels (1998), Nick Moran

‘Brother, mother, any other sucker!’

Super wordplay. Just one of the the things I love about this movie.

Set in London’s East End, Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels is very entertaining, thanks to the excellent dialogue and incessantly funny male banter.

Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels (1998), Nick Moran, Jason Statham, Dexter Fletcher, Jason Flemyng
Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels (1998), Nick Moran, Jason Statham, Dexter Fletcher, Jason Flemyng

From writer/director Guy Ritchie, the film fits comfortably into the comedy/crime genre. There’s no shortage of well-crafted characters, some of whom you’d count yourself very lucky to never encounter.

If you’re a seasoned film fan, It may be hard to not have Quentin Tarantino pop into your mind; for reasons including but not limited to the highly quotable dialogue, perfect pacing and brilliant soundtrack.

‘Watch it!‘ That’s my not-so-gentle recommendation.

Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels (1998), Vas Blackwood
Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels (1998), Vas Blackwood

‘Because if you don’t, I’ll kill ya.‘ _Rory Breaker

Just playing, of course. I’m simply quoting the great character pictured above.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Crime, Drama, Thriller

THE GAMBLER (2015): Trailer Of The Week

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The Gambler (2015), Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman
The Gambler (2015), Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman

I really do enjoy the art of a great trailer. Sometimes even more so than the films they’re for. I haven’t seen many good ones in the last few months. Luckily, here’s one I love.

Such super editing must always be highlighted, I’m sure you agree. 

The Gambler Release Dates: December 25th, 2025…

Happy Film Loving, 

G

Crime, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (2005): So Good!

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A History of Violence (2005), Viggo Mortensen
A History of Violence (2005), Viggo Mortensen

A small town that suddenly finds itself sprinkled with a few non-local visitors usually means trouble. And trouble is exactly what said visitors bring, especially for Tom Stall, a well-regarded local coffee shop owner with a wife and two children.

Directed by David Cronenberg, and starring Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello and Ed Harris, A History of Violence left me with much to love and very little if anything to be desired.

For those familiar with Cronenberg’s trademark visceral style, this engaging and generally well-paced drama/crime/thriller features scenes and moments that will remind you of exactly who the director is.

A well-written story that’s brilliantly delivered is the reason A History Of Violence is one of my favourite films of all time. What’s brought to mind each time I’m reminded of it, besides the fact that it entertained me like crazy, is the incredibly satisfying scene of the bullied fighting back.

Watch it for the many things this wonderful film gets so very right. Then go right back and rewatch your favourite scenes, because you’ll have a few.

Happy Film Loving,

G