Sunday, November 02, 2008

The real Rocknrolla!



You have to be in a certain kind of mood to view a Guy Ritchie movie. I was in that mood yesterday and couldn't resist Rocknrolla. Ritchie has also done Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. This movie is the same kind of frenzied whacked out hyper-plotted adventure through the darker side of London. As usual, the cast of characters is huge. And everyone is screwing everyone else. My hubby asked (he didn't go with me) what I meant by screwing everyone. Screwing as in sex screwing? Or screwing as in screwing one over? I replied, "Yep".

I won't even try to synopsize the plot. Just know you can expect a lot of twists and shady characters. This was a bit tamer than the previous two movies mentioned above. It was a little more cerebral. There was violence, but it wasn't shown on the screen. The bloodbath was kept to a minimum, and thus, I didn't cringe half so much as I expected I would.  And I don't even recall any bad language, other than 'wanker'.  (I love that word, wanker. )

I admit I went to see Gerard Butler. Need I a better reason than that? He plays OneTwo, a hard-on-his-luck criminal who's just trying to stay alive. When OneTwo learns a squicky fact about one of his co-worker's feeling about him, that's Handsome Bob, his reaction is just so much fun. He plays all scenes with Bob to the hilt, and just to let you know—if you want to know what went on between the twosome stick around for the credits. Half way through there's a little clip. Gerard does have a sex scene. Five seconds long. Well done. Perfect for both parties involved. It wasn't until I got home, and hours later, that it dawned on me. Only five seconds? Wait! I want more! :-)

Thandie Newton plays the accountant—the Dangerous Accountant. My goodness, this chick is just freakin' gorgeous in this movie, and Ritchie plays that up. I was mesmerized. And she plays the cool, dangerous role well.

There was an excellent chase scene featuring two Villains Who Will Not Die. I've come to love the classic Villain Who Will Not Die character that frequently shows up in action movies. Here you get two. I wish there had been a little more action, but it was almost enough.

The Rocknrolla in the title, is Johnny Quid, played by possibly the skinniest, muscular man I've ever seen. He does junkie well, that's all I'm saying.

Overall, I'd give this movie a 6. It was worth a watch, and had some interesting characters and I wasn't let down by the twisty plot. But it was a little too slow for a RItchie movie, and I think that was purposeful. Looked like he was trying to tame the rating to PG-13 (not sure what it was rated). If you're in a certain mood, I say go for it.
Michele

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6 comments:

Dina said...

I love Gerry and that will be my reason to go, hopefully this week.

Fedora said...

Hmm... This probably isn't something that I would normally have watched, but now I'm intrigued, Michele! Thanks for the heads up!

mslizalou said...

Gerard Butler would be reason enough for me to give it a shot. Will probably wait for it to come out on dvd. I don't make it to the movies very often. My next movie will be Twilight with my friends and then my sister and nieces(will see it twice to go with everyone).

Helen Brenna said...

I love Guy Ritchie's movies. GB will just make this one all the sweeter!

Unknown said...

Oh, Michele, I wanted to see this one this seek, but I have a deadline this coming Friday and I'm still making pages. . . so. . .

I have to go see this. Your review was great and now I can't wait to see it. A slow Guy Richie film is probably just the right speed for me!

Anonymous said...

Michele, as usual, you and I are on the same wavelength. I'd walk a mile for a Gerard Butler viewing :) which is why my DVD of Phantom is going to have to be replaced. It's worn out! I already knew I wanted to see RockNRolla. Thanks for the review.

Did you happen to see a little film called Dear Frankie? (We may have talked about this before.) If you love Gerry OR wonderful warm and fuzzy stories with Mysterious Strangers and adorable kids and fabulous scenery, do not miss this one!

Mallory Kane