Tag Archives: Jason Statham

Action, Comedy, Crime, No Spoiler Reviews

SPY (2015): It’s Good, People. It’s Good

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Spy (2015), Melissa McCarthy
Spy (2015), Melissa McCarthy

Watching a spy movie and not having at least one thing about it reminding you of James Bond, the most famous spy of them all is near impossible.

Starring Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law and Jason Statham, the Paul Feig written/directed Spy is no exception. Unlike 007, however, Spy is a comedy/action film – and a rather good one at that.

An entertaining experience with a well-written story, fun dialogue and characters is how I describe Spy. The dynamic between Statham and McCarthy’s characters is a big highlight. Rose Byrne’s Rayna Boyanov is also another plus.

Spy (2015), Jude Law, Rose Byrne
Spy (2015), Jude Law, Rose Byrne

The other very reliable cast members include Allison Janney, Miranda Hart, Sam Richardson, Morena Baccarin and Bobby Cannavale.

Watch Spy because it’s good. I found Jude Law’s character a tad annoying at first but it’s not so bad because the movie is a Melissa McCarthy vehicle, and Spy is definitely my favourite of her roles since Bridesmaids (2011), also directed by Paul Feig.

Happy Film Loving,

G

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