Rating: 
Summary: Action X
Review: I'm not really surprised that this film is popular with the under 45 crowd. I suppose, regrettably, that this is the direction filmmaking is heading. I call it Action X (typified by Pulp Fiction) because it is a genre unto itself loved by Generation X. It is a combination of Action/Adventure, Film Noir, and Horror laced with bizarre characters, offbeat themes, sick humor and lots of irony. Personally, I don't find it very entertaining, but I have to give it credit for creativity and boldness.If there is one area I have to compliment in this film it is the direction. Excellent, daring photography, scenes well thought out, lots of interesting stuff happening on the screen. I gave this a 6/10 only because it was so well directed. The script was clever, but pointless and if there was any theme to the story it was that stupid people tend to do stupid things and end up dead, except our heroes who do stupid things and are just lucky enough to get away with it. Though I understand the film's appeal, I guess I just can't appreciate a film that uses excellent filmmaking technique to produce a product so unrefined.
Rating:
Summary: No promises.
Review: Here is another "this isn't for everyone" movie. "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" is a stylish, contemporary production set in London's East End, a place known for its "difficulties." It was successful in the UK, and Americans ought to find the British twist on "Reservoir Dogs" inspired movies somewhat appealing. The film boasts imaginative camerawork, unpredictable turns (I rather liked the ending), and a great soundtrack. Most of the actors are unknowns with little feature-film experience, but they mostly do a good job; the rock star Sting plays a minor but acceptably performed role in the picture, as the father of one of the "heroes." (According to the "featurette" the movie employs "real villains," a revelation that doesn't seem very surprising.) While this film isn't of the most original caliber, the young, up and coming artists managed to impart a distinguishable flavor that makes their effort worth viewing. The movie is comical, although one might say that it's more humorous than funny. It also contains some graphic violence -- a fact that caught me off-guard, as I expected the bloodshed to be implied. "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels would've been a better picture without the shocking effect of unnecessarily HEAVY on-screen bleeding. (I'm not averse to strong violence in movies, but it seemed so incongruous to the spirit of THIS work that it nearly put me off.) Nevertheless, if you like films such as "Trainspotting" or "Reservoir Dogs," you should enjoy this one...but that's not a promise. The DVD picture quality is mediocre, but the sound is slightly better in comparison. The special features include a "featurette" that amounts to some brief interviews with the actors describing their characters in the production; an inclusion that's practically useless once you've seen the movie. There's an uncommon feature, "Cockney Rhyming Slang," that I found amusing and useful, it's a glossary of street lingo used in London. In all, I would say that this disc offers reasonable value for the money.
Rating: 
Summary: FUNtastic!
Review: I couldn't remember when was the last time I got so delightfully happy of watching a movie. This one had all the twist of a great plot, and so much fun! The idea was fresh...and I enjoy the shooting scenes the most. Cool!
Rating: 
Summary: A pint for me lads!
Review: Well-conceived British import that I rented and watched four or five times over the course of a rainy weekend. By the time it was due back at Blockbuster, I felt a real connection with the Cockney foursome who land themselves in debt and then -- through a series of outlandish coincidences -- dig themselves out. The manner in which the plot unfolds is a masterful choreography of fate. Lots of laughs in this one to go along with a cool sepia style and an effective soundtrack; but perhaps its most lasting appeal is that the viewer can identify with the oh-what-the-hell attitude these fellas adopt as they delve deeper and deeper into the criminal layer. These are normal pub-going guys who have no business mingling with vicious and heavily armed gangs, but our lads know they must take some risks to escape their dire situation. I think the Tarantino comparisons are a bit overblown, but if you possess a need to categorize, I suppose Lock, Stock & 2Bs fits "neatly" into the hip, gun-blazing genre.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: Wow, was I surprised. I began the movie expecting a typical shoot-em-up, blood-flying-everywhere gangsta movie. I found a movie which (while flying blood was definitely involved), was fun, funny, and overall great. It is necessary to listen very carefully because the dialogue is not always clear, but some of the lines are rolling-around-on-the-floor hysterical. I may even have snorted once (or twice) I was laughing so hard. Although you can easily see where it is generally heading, the movie definitely keeps you guessing what will happen next and how it will happen. The characters are well played and entertaining. I am buying it for my collection.
Rating:
Summary: oh, this movie makes me jolly
Review: I'm not one to hand out 5-star reviews like candy on Halloween, but this one deserves all 5 and more. Tremendously likeable characters, and plenty of em, enough that you don't get bored with endless dialogue. Never keeping the same pace for too long, switching from bloody to bumbling at a moment's notice. Great seedy plotline that's got all the great things in life: drugs, guns, booze, and British accents! It's obviously not Shakespeare and obviously isn't meant to be. It's a stripped-down, ripped up alternative to the typical American Schwarzenegger fare of one superhuman tough guy that not only solves the mystery, blows up the bad guy, and gets the girl, but doesn't mess up his hair doing it. Bollocks to that! Here you've got a cast of honest folk just trying to do what humanity does best: backstab and survive. If you like Tarantino, this is a no brainer (Reservoir Dogs = good, Pulp Fiction = bad.) And I think it should be MANDATORY viewing for anyone who has actually spent $8 to see an "Arnold" film in the theater (poor saps.) This is the REAL deal.
Rating:
Summary: English subtitles for English films!
Review: I concur with the glowing recommendations already given for this film -- I rented the DVD and now I've GOT to buy it. One note of a heretofore (at least by me) unnoticed advantage of the DVD format: the English sub-titles can decipher the Cockney accents for you. My recommendation: watch it first without the subtitles, then with them.
Rating:
Summary: Lock , Stock and very funnY !
Review: I rented this flick under the impression that it was more of an action movie, comparable with Reservoir Dogs. With more action than humor. But I was wrong. THis is the first time I'm glad I was wrong. Although a little more action might have helped a bit more. This flick is thoroughly enjoyable and a very respectable flick for the rookie director. I wont' delve into the plot much. There is a group of four boys who owe a local crime lord and porn king half a million dollars, for every day they don't pay they lose a finger each. Sounds fun so far ? Well if not, then don't lose hope, because their plans of action are absolutely hilarious! The humour and the different characters focused on in this flick will make you want to see it again. VERy funnY! The way it's shot is innovative as well. I'd say the only downer about this flick is that it takes a while to get to the action, but the slick wit and humour do a good job of not making it unbearable. Also, there is way too much cussin in this flick, so if it offends you, you might wanna think twice about this flick. STing is also part of the cast, but he's in it for five minutes.... Well what can I tell you, it's funny, it's got action, I'm sure it will be a cult classic very soon. If not already. It's relatable to OUt OF sight by Elmore Leonard and Reservoir Dogs by Tarantino, and the story flows similar to Payback, except that it's not about revenge. The way the humor and plot is blended together truly makes it stand apart though. It's a kickin fun time, and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone. DROUGH! Shoutouts to my main man GUS!
Rating:
Summary: The BEST British film EVER!
Review: It is also one of the most entertaining films of the 90's. The entire cast, mostly made up of unknowns, are exceptional. The script is pure gold and every single line has you rolling in the isles. Guy Ritchie's Writing and Directing Debut is one of the best Crime/Comedys ever!
Rating: 
Summary: Lock, Stock, and Twenty Smoking Foul Mouths
Review: Like many people, I can hear the occasional swear word in a movie which heightens the dramatic or comedic effect. Yet, when it seems that every other sentence includes swear words, the dramatic or comedic effect wears off and these just become an endless string of offensive words. When you combine foul language with a heavy dose of gratuitous violence, you have a fairly good idea of the content of this movie. Are there some comical scenes? Yes, but not ha, ha, ha comical. My British friends tell me that it is easier for those who grew up in England to appreciate this flick, as they can understand the inside humor. For example, one of the stars, reportedly, is a famous English football star. Unfortunately, for some of us, who do not have the background, we just hear the swear words, see violence and remain unamused.
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