Guy Ritchie's new film - terrific.
The opening scenes begin with a musical score that grabbed me right by the throat and got me into the film.
A marvelous ensemble of characters - essentially all buffoons, but not a hint here of slapstick. As seen in the poster, and from the opening moment, a "gun" plays a significant visual role - but it isn't what it looks like, and I won't give it away. But it's a reminder that things are not what they appear, and it's always worthwhile taking a second look.
Gritty and entertaining, with plenty of laughs ... revealing, I suppose, the banality of evil (Tom Wilkinson in his mobster sunglasses is brilliant as Lenny Cole), how folks on the underside of things get caught up in the flow of life (Gerard Butler as One Two) and can only make the best of it. Some are really scoundrels, dirtbags ... others are just there because that's where they showed up.
Mark Strong as Archie (Lenny Cole's right hand man) is the most drama-like character here - funny and ironic, taking Lenny's crap with philosophical distance. He sees how silly it all it, but here he is, and it's the only gig he's got going.
The most chilling portrayals (is this a political statement?) are the Russians - cold and calculating, and more money than you can shake a bribe at.
Visually, I was reminded of "Sin City" - and even some of the feel of it for story.
Be prepared to listen carefully ... lines delivered with a heavy cockney accent.
Definitely worth seeing.
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