RocknRolla DVD: Review By Kenneth Albert

In the late 90s Guy Ricthie was developing what appeared to be a very successful career as film director. He made a name for himself with his 2nd film, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and then just two years later delivered possibly an even better film with Snatch. Afterwards, he seemed to drop off the face of the film world, releasing only 2 full-length films during the next 7 years that had small theater openings and failed to impress anyone. Now I have to admit, after all the great films that had been released over the last few years I had totally forgotten Guy Ricthie until I saw the trailer for his latest film RocknRolla and hoped that it would be a return to form for him.

Once again Ricthie brings together an eclectic group of characters each with their own agendas and sharing an overall agreement, a quick fortune is in their future if they play their cards right, meaning outsmarting the competition and eliminating anyone who gets in the way. From Russian architects to English realtors to a group of tough guys, everybody wants in on the easy money, and at the center of all the mayhem is a drugged-out musician who’s in possession of something of great value, he just doesn’t know it. Paths intertwine until the very end where a final showdown occurs bringing new things to light.

One of the main characteristics I’ve always enjoyed about Ricthie’s films is the casting and RocknRolla continues that tradition even if it doesn’t include actors/actresses he’s used before. Gerard Butler (300), Thandie Newton (W.), Mark Strong (Body of Lies) and Tom Wilkinson (Batman Begins) act as the film’s backbone giving solid performances while the supporting cast provides the blood and muscle. Overall, the cast as a whole is entertaining and full of spunk.

RocknRolla isn’t really anything new and Ricthie has basically reused elements from his pervious films. In fact, if you’ve seen Lock, Stock… and Snatch you will notice that all the films are similar in plot, tone, humor, dialogue, cinematography and soundtrack. You may even notice things that Quentin Tarantino has done in his films that Ricthie copies, but I do feel that the film is a step in the right direction for him to getting back on track. So if you’re a fan of those films like I am, then there’s a good chance that you will like, if not love his latest offering.