Review of La Orca (1976) by Sam P — 11 Apr 2012

I have to admit to have never really been interested in watching most of Guy Ritchieâ(TM)s movies. In fact, it wasnâ(TM)t really until I saw the original âSherlock Holmesâ? by him that I became tempted. I recently saw âRocknRollaâ?, which I thought was pretty awesome (thanks Lily!) and became more tempted by his other films. So the other day I sat down to watch the second film ever made by Ritchie.

One thing I have to say about the films I have seen by Ritchie is that, they are enjoyable fun. They are funny, with several magnificent one-liners, great chemistry in the cast, with jokes and insults bouncing back and forth between the lot of them. Sometimes the plot does not have to be perfect, although the plot was just the right mix of simple action and intricate plot, more importantly, the cast look as if they really enjoy themselves. And when the cast enjoy themselves, without being too self-congratulating (i.e. the recent Ocean films), it makes the film more enjoyable.

There are a lot of good actors who appear in this film, the ones in the supporting cast I recognized alone included: Dennis Farina (a good fish out of water, with several good lines), Jason Flemying (good small role, didnâ(TM)t steal any scenes but added to it instead, completely incomprehensible), Goldie (small cameo, didnâ(TM)t look out of place), Mike Reid (usually enjoyable, good mix of humour and gravitas), and Benicio Del Toro (small role, akin to his role in The Usual Suspects, but straight ranged, good performance).

However, my favorites were the main cast. There was the black trio of Vinnie, Sol & Tyrone, who I thought had great chemistry together, the three of them provided the best laughs, with their attempt of robbing a post office leaving me crying with laughter. Vinnie Jones as Bullet-Tooth Tony showed more range than I expected, I expected the obvious psychotic hitman role, but not the humour or chemistry with Farina. There was also Alan Ford as the nasty, petty gangster âBrick Topâ?, who really sold his unpleasantness well. And the lead double act in Jason Statham and Stephen Graham were a good act, really bounced off well of each other, however I feel they were the straight men to the rest of the cast, and a surprisingly well casted choice of the two.

However, for me, the run and away breakout character was the magnificent Brad Pitt as the pikey gypsy Mickey, a bare-knuckle boxing champion, who was integral to the plot. The accent used by Pitt was just the right mix of incomprehensible and comprehensible, he was funny, a ridiculous character made believable and acceptable by a well versed performance. Pitt took a chance with the role and made him memorable, he was probably my favorite character.

At times there are little bits of violence, and startling imagery, but it is coupled with dark humour, that makes it feel less harrowing. Overall, the film is very enjoyable, and actually leaves you quite cheerful by the end, just because it was ridiculous fun.