DVD Review: Rocknrolla 2-Disc Edition
Guy Ritchie's Latest Explores London's Criminal Underworld
Rocknrolla Brief Synopsis
Modern day London, England: Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson) is a major force in the local underworld milieu, and though he doesn't get the respect he should, his name and presence still holds much weight within the criminal community.
When two of the local members of a criminal gang dubbed "The Wild Bunch", One-Two (Gerard Butler, 300) and Mumbles (Idris Elba, American Gangster) approach Lenny to borrow 2 million pounds to acquire some valued real estate, both men get double crossed and lose out on the deal, due to Lenny's behind-the-scenes machinations, aimed at foiling the transaction. Out two million, and afraid of the repercussions in failing to pay back Lenny, both men take a job stealing a large sum from a Russian investor named Uri (Karel Rodin, Hellboy), who is looking to get assistance in pushing through a land purchase, with Lenny Cole's help. One Two and Mumbles get help from the ever so calculating accountant Stella (Thandie Newton, Mission Impossible II) in planning the theft, for a share of the pot, naturally.
Meanwhile, there's a hilarious subplot involving a "lucky painting" which Uri lends Lenny, as a show of good faith in ensuring the land deal goes through neatly. When Lenny's estranged rocker stepson Johnny Quid (Toby Kebbell, Alexander, Match Point) steals the painting, despite having been reported missing and dead by the media, Lenny is hard pressed to finalize the deal, lest he be forced to explain how he lost the prized item he was entrusted with.
Throw in further antics by the Wild Bunch (which also include a character named Handsome Bob, played by Tom Hardy, Star Trek Nemesis), and you have Rocknrolla, a clever, comedic crime story, laced with great Brit one-liners, and a well rounded cast, filled with colorful, memorable characters.
Rocknrolla Overall Analysis
This film is at par with most of Guy Ritchie's body of work (with the usual exception of the horrible Swept Away), where he makes the best out of tales involving organized crime, whether it be taking place in England or abroad. Throwing in guns, drugs, money, power, and crime into a recipe fit for the Ritchie Mold, Rocknrolla benefits from a cast as varied as it's familiar.
Mark Strong, a more frequent name in both British and American film (he was highly praised in recent projects such as Syriana, Body of Lies, Stardust, and Ritchie's previous outing Revolver), appears here as both the narrator of the story, and Lenny Cole's right hand man, Archie. He is a delight to watch, and his presence on screen is inspired, and calculated. Expect more quality work (one hopes) from him in the future.
Gerard Butler, also a more frequent brand name in recent years (his much publicized portrayal of King Leonidas in 300 needs no more obvious mention), brings his natural Scottish brogue forward here, playing One Two, a loyal, dependent criminal, who looks after his close friends, and is wicked smart about any heist being planned. Though he isn't the central focus of the film (despite the posters taking advantage of his recent fame), he is nonetheless equally enjoyable to watch, and isn't wasted by Ritchie throughout the film's running time.
Proper credit must be given to one of the younger talents from the cast, Toby Kebbell. His energetic portrayal of drugged-up yet wise rocker Johnny Quid, is a veritable treat. Through Guy Ritchie's script filled with snappy dialogue, Kebbell steals every scene he appears in, playing a wisecracking addict.
Other notable cast members also include Jeremy Piven and Chris "Ludacris" Bridges as music producers.
The film is a bit slow on the first third of the film, but once the heist comes about, and the doublecrosses start happening, the story picks up momentum through to the ending.
DVD Bonus Features
The film has but one notable featurette, Guy's Town, which showcases many of the London locations used for the film. The DVD also comes with the usual digital copy on the second disc. Expect the usual round of backslapping self-congratulatory praise from cast and crew, though it can't hurt in this case, what with a thoroughly entertaining end product. This only makes the viewer want more of Ritchie's brand of good old Brit crime fiction.
8 out of 10, for a fun, lean crime caper, which benefits from excellent writing and casting choices
Rocknrolla 2-Disc DVD
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