Review of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) by Stefan G — 30 Oct 2012

Guy Ritchie's debut is a blazing gangster film with sharp dialogue and a mix of drama and comedy that reinvents the genre. With a terrific cast, Guy Ritchie directs an effective crime film that is a must see for gangster film fans.

Early signs of Ritchie's brilliant direction can be seen here, and would subsequently perfected in his follow-up, Snatch. The film has a serious tone to it, but has enough comic moments to really make it a unique gangster film.

Before hand, films in this genre were too serious, dark, and violent, which there is nothing wrong with that. However Ritchie introduced something a bit different and it worked very well. Some people will surely hate this film, but to those crime film fans who want a new angle on a classic story, this is worth seeing.

The film has a plateau of colorful characters which make for an interesting viewing experience. Guy Ritchie's films have a terrific sense of style and this debut feature showcases that brilliantly.

I personally enjoy Ritchie's work, and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a fine crime film that has some strong performances, a clever script and effective plot that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Even if it's not a flawless film, this is sure to become one of the most memorable gangster films of the last twenty years. With a great cast at hand, Guy Ritchie has delivered a smart, effective and well constructed crime film that goes where no genre film has gone before.

This is a must see for crime film fans, and some viewers may not get used to Guy Ritchie's brand of eccentric filmmaking, but it pays off in the end.