Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels Review
by Akiva Goldstein (akiva AT excite DOT com)March 14th, 1999
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Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels
**1/2
rated R
starring Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, Jason Statham, Steven Mackintosh, Vinnie Jones, Sting
written and directed by Guy Ritchie
Guy Ritchie's new British import LOCK, STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS is a film that can be either loved, loathed or both. LOCK, STOCK tells the story of 4 criminals who pool their money into a rigged game of poker. They even lose some money that was lent to them by local "porn king" "Hatchet" Harry (P.H. Moriarty). He gives them a week to retrieve the money. From that point on, the film goes wild, twisting plot points around your head quicker than you can say "What's going on?" LOCK, STOCK would be confusing as an American film, but it is British, which makes it all the more confusing because of the unidentifiable slang and accents. Throughout the film, I could not distinguish one character from the other. In my opinion, LOCK, STOCK needs maybe 3 viewings to be fully enjoyed. One to recognize Guy Ritchie's direction, which is at once derivative and dazzling. Two to in some way digest some of the dialogue being spoken. And three in order to try to understand each plot point. But sadly, most people, like me, would rather just see a film once.
Despite its shortcomings, LOCK, STOCK is a fun-filled caper, and it has more energy and hipness than most of our violence-laden action pictures. LOCK, STOCK was supposedly a huge hit in England, and it's not hard to see why. I only wish that the filmmakers and taken the approach that Artisan Films did to MY NAME IS JOE by subtitling the English-language film. Another one of the film's flaws is its excessive use of drum & bass music between scenes. At the beginning of the movie it was hip, but towards the end it becomes repetitive. There is really no message in LOCK, STOCK, and it never comes close to reaching the poetic display of RESERVOIR DOGS, but if you're looking to spend a free afternoon at the movies, this should provide some entertainment as long as you bring a dictionary. (Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Sting has a small role)
review by the Teenage Movie Critic
akiva@excite.com
www.angelfire.com/mo/film
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