RocknRolla (2008) User Reviews

Yeah, we've seen it all before, but...

[jackmoss88 · 8/10 · 6 September 2008]

I have to admit that I have a soft spot for Guy Ritchie's mockney gangster films. I don't know what it is. I know that they're not very profound and have nothing to say, I know that they're a pure fantasy vision of British crime and I know that if you've seen Lock Stock, you've pretty much seen them all. And yet, as Ritchie returns for a third iteration of the only formula with which he's tasted success , I still find myself walking out of the cinema massively entertained.

RocknRolla does absolutely nothing new. A quick list of things it shares with Lock Stock and Snatch would read thus: fast paced, witty dialogue; complex, interwoven plot threads; central McGuffin driving the mayhem (#1 antique shotguns, #2 huge diamond, #3 a lucky painting); smart, rapid editing; a mountain of Cockney crime stereotypes. Even things such as hard-as-nails Russian henchmen return. It completes the upward curve of scale in Ritchie's crime films: from a rigged card game to a rigged boxing circuit to rigged property development. The crime lords get larger in stature, the sums of money owed have more zeros on the end and the capers required to resolve the situation more grand, but it's still the same concept.

You'd think this was a list of criticisms, and if you found Snatch wearingly familiar you shouldn't need it spelling out that this film won't impress you. Looking for originality? Look elsewhere. RocknRolla may be pushing the formula a little bit, but if you accept that it's still enormous fun. Ritchie's directing is as proficient as ever, it moves at a merry old pace and the plot just about stays on the rails. The characters are endearing and there's plenty of laughs to be had. Other than its dearth of invention, the only real flaw with the film lies in the opening fifteen minutes, where Ritchie sets up the plot strands which will then unravel. Whereas previous films did this in a smooth, unforced way, here Ritchie lathers it with a liberal helping of voice-over narration so there's absolutely no confusion possible as to who is who and what they're after, which on many occasions extends to pointing out the bleeding obvious. Show don't tell- it's the first rule in the book Ritchie! It may be getting to the point where RocknRolla must go down as a guilty pleasure, but guilty pleasures are often the most fulfilling kind. And so it is here.

A Small Movie That May Make Big Things Happen For the People Involved

[alexkolokotronis · 8/10 · 23 June 2009]

RocknRolla seems to be the beginning of the resurrection of Guy Ritchie's career. Not to anyone's surprise he does this with what he has been so potent with throughout his career; a British gangster film. If you've had any experience with Ritchie movies you know exactly what you're getting into here, a comedic thriller. This of course may seem problematic, in Ritchie's case it is not.

The writing and dialog is fast paced and quite witty and entertaining to watch. The movie as a whole maybe be a bit of a head scratcher here and there but the pay off is good and the idea is a bit of a parody of itself which is what makes this film so fun.

What Ritchie accomplishes though, in the same way he has with his past successful productions is putting together an extremely diverse and yet correlating cast. This starts with the lead man in Gerard Butler whose notoriety has steadily risen largely through his performances of comical caricatures (not an insult). With RocknRolla Butler seems to have found a role perfect for his appeal and charm he brings to the screen. This is largely because of a witty script and great, fun performances all around.

Then of course there is Mark Strong who until this year was largely a total unknown, at least in the American mainstream. While Gerard Butler may have found a genre he is most strongly suited for, Mark Strong could certainly use this along with Body of Lies to launch to the very least a respectable acting career. His posture, range and ability to change tone and style subtly not only between films but within them is something that should be and surely will be recognized.

Enjoyable romp

[awtymon · 7/10 · 1 September 2020]

I enjoy Guy Ritchie films and this was good but not to the level of some of his other films but Guy does seem to be able to pick a good cast

Poorer version of SNATCH, overlong, yet impossible to dislike

[adrianovasconcelos · 7/10 · 20 June 2022]

Like other reviewers, I find Guy Ritchie very watchable. His cockney criminals are a delight to watch, all of them killing a human as easily as they might a fly and delivering punchlines all the way. Rirchie's screenplay brims with action and razor sharp dialogue for the first hour, then - very sadly - it loses direction.

The blueprint for ROCKNROLLA was SNATCH (UK, 2000), probably Ritchie's best, most rounded effort, with characters that pop out of the screen.

ROCKNROLLA does not quite match that highly original early Ritchie flick, it is unfortunately too long by easily 20 minutes, and its characters by and large do not stand out as much.

That said, Butler and Hardy make unlikely lovers who double up as criminals, Butler and Thandie have the briefest, least passionate love scene I have watched in some time, a real damp squib, and Tom Wilkinson as the fiendish Lenny Cole, Idris Elba as the ever supportive sidekick to Butler, and Mark Strong as the irrepressible Archy really steal the show.

Great cinematography, action sequences by David Higgs.

Fantastic film, such a great surprise!

[freakinabsuit · 10/10 · 6 September 2008]

There is a new gang of Russian mobsters in London planning to create a real estate goldmine lead by Uri(Karl Roden). But they need the help of Lenny(Wilkinson) to get permission so he lends him his "lucky painting" this in turn disappears bringing Stella the accountant(Newton) and the Wild Bunch(Elba,Butler,Hardy) into the Fray. Amongst all this Is Rockstar Johnny Quid and his Agents(Kebbell,Piven,Bridges). Get ready for another multi stranded cockney Ritchie film.

First of all, so you know, I have been long anticipating this film (I mean who wouldn't just for the cast alone?) so didn't go in with low expectations, they were high and this film still managed to surpass them. Lets start with the aforementioned cast... they are all absolutely fantastic but they are aided by beautifully written characters. Gerard Butler(One Two) and Idris Elba(Mumbles) have more chemistry on screen than most Hollywood romcom leading couples. They snap and crack off each other like they've done it for years. In fact the entire "Wild Bunch" as they are known in the film provide some of its best moments, from a visceral heist scene with some unstoppable Russian heavies(which oozes style) to a hilarious running sub-plot about Bob's(Tom hardy) sexual orientation. Matt King also provides a great turn as the Wild Bunch's in house drug dealer Cookie, he also turns in one of the movies best scenes, an eerie narration on heroine addiction. Wilkinson is firing on all cylinders in a role that could have just been his Carmine Falcone with a cockney accent but manages to be much more as well as pretty scary. But it is Mark Strong who comes up trumps in this storyline, his portrayal of Archie the right hand man is probably the most rounded character in the film, full of humour and wit and with an undeniable likability he steals much of the scenes he appears in. And now on to Toby Kebbell as junkie Rockstar Johnny Quid, this is a role that if the academy were a little less narrow-minded they would consider supporting actor nod. He is scum, but his character is such that he is witty and somewhat of a poet/philosopher, fantastically written and Kebbell plays it brilliant. You are never sure what hes going to do next, I guarantee he will take you by surprise.

And now onto the man of the moment, Ritchie. There was a lot of scepticism about this film considering how badly his past two films did critically and commercially. But what is clear from this is that instead of going the safe root and doing a film that will please all he has once again done his own thing the way he wanted to do it and the result is a fantastic piece of film-making.

I really hope RocknRolla makes the money it deserves and gets a wider release in America, it is a film that needs to be seen. Its funny, clever, visually stunning and is a perfect example of a man doing things his own way and not succumbing to the pressures of the media. Well done Ritchie, well done cast, Im up for the Real RocknRolla and when you see it so will you!

Guy Ritchie doing his Gangster thing

[yorkshiresy-15917 · 7/10 · 2 September 2020]

Whilst RocknRolla shares a number of elements with Guy Ritchie's pervious films "Lock, Stock and Twitter Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch", it doesn't quite have the humour and quotability of his earlier works.

A Stella cast revel in this London Underworld story of drugs, paintings, dodgy property deals and robberies.

With his recent return to the genre with "The Gentlemen", this is well worth checking out if you missed it first time around.

Guy Ritchie did it again

[barrys82 · 9/10 · 14 October 2008]

After some failures in his career as a director, Guy Ritchie is back with a fast paced, frenetic movie. A film about a Russian mobster orchestrates a crooked land deal, millions of dollars are up for grabs, and all of London?s criminal underworld wants in on the action. Everyone from a dangerous crime lord to a sexy accountant, a corrupt politician and down-on-their-luck petty thieves conspire, collude and collide with one another in an effort to get rich quick. The story is interesting and the plot is very well developed. Its a film with lots of action and adventure, it has also a very good amount of black humor, characteristic from Ritchie's movies, and full of twists and an unexpected ending.The direction from Ritchie is excellent, the first hour might be a little slow but from the second hour till the end the movie takes a very fast rhythm and the fast forwards and slow motions increases the intensity of the movie. The cast is amazing, Gerard Butler gives a formidable performance, Thandie Newton also very good, Tom Wilkinson flawless as always and the secondary roles from Toby Kebbell (Johnny Quid), Idris Elba (Mumbles) and Mark Strong (Archie) gave the movie a very good support. In conclusion, RocknRolla is a entertaining movie you will enjoy and that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

amazing !!!! one of Ritchie's best

[Jamie_Seaton · 24 August 2009]

this movie without a doubt has the best style any movie can offer. there's not one thing i disliked about this film. the acting was superb. Ritchie's weaving complex story that he always does is brilliant. just everything is brilliant

the cast in this fantastic English gangster film is Gerard Butler (300) Tom Wilkinson (Batman Begins, In The Bedroom) Thandie Newton (Persuit Of Happiness, Crash) Mark Strong (Revolver) Tom Hardy (Bronson, Layer Cake) Toby Kebbell (Dead Mans Shoes) Idris Elba (The Wire) Jeremy Piven (Entourage) Ludicrous (Crash)............ now right there is an indestructible cast.

director Guy Ritchie has really made a full on classic with this one that i think is better than Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels and on the same par as Snatch. you have to see it to believe it

Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson) is basically the main gangster in town but is starting to find it a little hard to run things when a new family move to the town. in between this film has some brilliant characters and really has you excited on what might happen next

this movie has to be watched by everyone that has good taste and i'm hoping Guy Ritchie will make more gems like this..... cant wait for his new Sherlock Holmes film, looks stunning........ 10/10........ j.d Seaton

Don't hold your breath

[clarkeke · 6/10 · 4 September 2008]

It says something that most of the press coverage for Guy Ritchie's new film 'Rocknrolla' surrounds the fact that Madonna was late for the London premiere. While the name Madonna is somewhat synonymous with 'show stealer', some might argue that the vast coverage of this minor marital incident masks the fact that Ritchie's film doesn't merit any serious film chit chat.

Don't listen to the cynics, 'Rocknrolla' is actually a decent comeback for Mr Madonna, who has been lingering in the limbo of film failure after no goers like 'Swept Away' and 'Revolver'. The film, set in London's seedy underworld, is strikingly similar to previous successes, 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' and 'Snatch', and features the same sort of thuggish geezer characters but this time with a homo-erotic subtext. While Ritchie's film masquerades as homophobic to the max, there are certain scenes, (the gangsters discover the Russian gangsters in full dominatrix get-up about to perform a certain act on one of their men), where one might not be too sure if the geezer gangsters want to pop a cap in the Russian's asses or strip down and join in.

I think Ritchie was well aware that this film would make or finally break him, and to be honest I don't think it'll do either. He played it safe and did what he's good at, hence the copycat characters (the pool of what he's good at is not a deep one). The only new character is Thandie Newton's Stella, 'the accountant'. If the director intended her to be a strong female character he is worse than I ever imagined for all the slow motion shots of her legs, face and ass surely compromise and completely eradicate any idea of her as the brains behind the operation.

In short, the soundtrack's great, the stylized cinematography is unoriginal but great, and while Ritchie's film has an overly complicated plot and pretty standard Ritchie characters, it is definitely not his third turkey in a row. Starring Thandie Newton, Gerard Butler and Tom Wilkinson, the film is definitely worth a watch but don't hold your breath.

Ritchie rolls back into action with a pulse pounding, viciously funny return to form

[pyrocitor · 8/10 · 7 September 2008]

In a business as enormously subjective as the film industry, it would seem near impossible to attempt to remain individual and innovative, continually raising the bar, without the occasional stumble. Writer/director Guy Ritchie, who at first garnered countless approval for his vicious, hyper-stylized tales of dirty deeds in the British underground, had found the critical tides turning in recent years after the succession of universally panned Swept Away to widely baffling Revolver, begging the question as to whether Ritchie's cinematic genius had been limited to his initial films. However, fans of the unconventional filmmaker will be enthralled to hear that his latest project, RocknRolla proves a confident return to form, a snappy, stylish piece of work bristling with energy and acerbic wit - in short, classic Ritchie.

Returning to his defining genre, Ritchie crafts yet another convoluted myriad of intersecting story lines focusing on greed, deception, double-crossing and plenty of stupidity in the seedy underbelly of England. With viewers trusted to be familiar with his unique style, Ritchie uses his familiar story template to worm in social commentary amidst his trademark edge and humour, satirising the increasingly developed state of London and the enormous demand for real estate and location. But this is not the ordinary, romanticized London, as Ritchie's cinematic eye appears determined to capture every last dank, filthy gutter, every ounce of crime and corruption in a fashion akin to the least flattering cinematic depictions of New York. And yet, amidst the filth and edgy comedy, the occasional moment of raw humanity, flawed as it may be emerges from the fray of unanimously unsympathetic characters, whether it be the vulnerability of rocker Johnny Quid shuddering and rocking back and forth on a drug trip or the witty interplay between 'The Wild Bunch', a trio of hapless thieves. For a film so cynically detached, RocknRolla sure can hit the emotional gut-punch buttons for brief but unsettlingly crucial moments.

However, in the midst of his caustic reflection on his home town, Ritchie has mercifully left his sense of uproarious fun intact. After a relatively slow start, serving mostly to set up the convoluted array of characters and plot points (the central Maguffin this time being a 'lucky' Russian painting which goes missing) the film takes off at the frenzied pace those familiar with Ritchie's work would expect. Plunging into a fray of hilarious coincidences and situational comedy (watch for a priceless slow dance scene and one of the most hysterical sex scenes in many a year), double crosses, intimidation rants, philosophical monologues and the time worn Ritchie tradition of indestructible Russian hit men, it becomes clear that no matter how many similarities it may bear to past work, the delight of seeing a dynamic talent back on the top of his game cannot be understated. While the hyper-kinetic editing and camera-work and bold music cues of Snatch have been toned down and the casual violence is more removed, the cinematic flavour is unmistakable - Ritchie is back, and just as bombastically entertaining as ever.

As usual, Ritchie's cast rise to the occasion of matching the brilliance of their script and director. Gerard Butler brings an endearing charm to tough talking goofball thug One-Two, inevitably raising laughs whenever on screen and anchoring the film as one of the few likable characters. Tom Wilkinson takes on the role of resident British mobster with considerable aplomb, spitting out his lines with a vindictive joy and proving easily more than adequate on the intimidation front. Thandie Newton evokes an alluring mysterious air as a devious accountant playing each side of the conflict against each other, exuding a subtle quirkiness in her execution of the traditional femme fatale figure. Mark Strong delivers harried menace and perfect comic deadpan as Wilkinson's right hand man, crafting another memorable Ritchie reference with the "Archie slap", and Idris Elba and Tom Hardy are fittingly hilarious as One-Two's bumbling fellow hard men Mumbles and Handsome Bob. Finally, Toby Kebbell eerily essays the most commanding character on screen as allegedly deceased rocker Johnny Quid. A narcissistic, painfully vulnerable, haphazardly philosophical and cheekily insulting pile of flaws and potent observations, Quid is as classic as any of Ritchie's more beloved characters, and Kebbell's off-kilter performance rivets the viewer's attention - whether hilarious or tragic, he is always invariably impossible to ignore and far too interesting to discount.

While the occasional cry of rehashing story elements from past successes may be raised, Ritchie's return to form is too supremely entertaining to dwindle under such complaints, as the formula proves to have just enough shelf life along with countless inspired tweaks to remain miles ahead of any stylistic impersonators. For any finding the cinema's fare too dull or uninspired, fear not - a genuine talent has re-emerged, and RocknRolla proves just the antidote to the hackneyed mainstream offshoots which slunk up in his absence. The prospect of the announced two sequels is mouth watering indeed - if anything should prove indicative of the film's quality, it is that.

-8.5/10

An Improvement from Guy Ritchie

[freemantle_uk · 7/10 · 5 September 2008]

After making Swepted Away and Revolver Guy Ritchie's career hit the rocks and his reputation ruined. Luckily for him he returned to what he was best at and took a back to basic approach.

The film is a gangster story set in London. It tells of One-Two (Gerald Butler), who has a small crew, Mumbles (Idris Elba) and Handsome Bob (Tom Hardy). One-Two at the beginning of the film and ends up entering into a dodgy property deal where he owns money to Lenny (Tom Wilkingson), a major London gangster. Lenny basically tricks One-Two so that he could get the property and bribe the London council to let him build up the property and take all the profits. Lenny seeks to make a major deal with a Russian billionaire who owns a football club (I wonder who he is meant to be based on). The billionaire seeks to make a new concert hall very quickly, and wants to use Lenny's contacts to make sure that planning permission is granted. Lenny wants 7 Million Euros so he can do it. The billionaire has a dodgy accountant Stella (Thandie Newton), who asks One-Two to rob the Euros and takes a nice slice of the profits. At the same time the Russian also loans Lenny his lucky painting as a symbol of truth and as a thank you. Unforuately this painting is stolen by Lenny's rock star step-son Johnny Quid (Toby Kebbell). As the film goes on all these story lines become interlinked.

Ritchie goes back to the types of films that made his name, which shows that he is really a one trick pony. This film felt a little be like a best of Ritchie. I felt that some of the sub-plot felt a bit tacked on, especially the part involving Johnny Quid and at times characters completely disappeared. The problem with Guy Ritchie is he thinks he is smarter then he really is and wants to be clever with his script. But at least for Ritchie he is in safe territory. Another problem is Ritchie is a mockney, a wannabe cockney, the kind of person most people look down on. However, there are positives. Most of the story does work, and some of the comedy is good. Fans of the original two Guy Ritchie film will love it for that. There is also a very good cast in the film. Tom Wilkington was the best as Lenny, the leading gangster, but most of the other actors gave very good performances. Butler and Newton are a very good actors. There were also fine set-pieces, especially the second raid against the Russians, and has a good comical fight in a sports shop. But at time it did feel like Ritchie took a style over substances approach. There is also an excellent soundtrack to the film, which is never a bad thing. If you are a rock fan you would enjoy it.

I personally feel that Ritchie could have cut some times from the plot and it would have made a better film. But there are good performances, and some fun bits and if you are a Guy Ritchie film would will enjoy this flick. A decent attempt.

Guy Ritchie, Rock 'N' Roll King

[tyranid_slayer · 9/10 · 6 September 2008]

While seeing the dark knight a trailer for a new guy ritchie film came up.

I wasn't particularly swayed too much by this trailer but considering the summer period was almost over and we film lovers now have to survive the cheap horror winter season, Rocknrolla seemed like a nice surprise.

So i saw it last night.

And, to the tell the truth, i absolutely loved it! Obviously apart from guy ritchies excellent direction it had some absolutely fantastic dialouge with some pin sharp conversations and trademark British humour.

The story revolves around several characters, each do something that affects another character within the story. Characters are The Wild Bunch with Gerard Butler, Thandie Newton the accountant, Tom Wilkinson the gangster.

I could say more but there are a lot.

The film to start i found was rather complicated but as time went on i got used to all the characters and they're relationships etc etc.

It's filled with some great top notch sequences but my favourite and the crowds favourite was "The Invincible Russians" Overall this is a great film and breaks the dead lock of cheesy cheap films we get around this time of year.

go see it now!

Guy Ritchie going through the motions

[DanLawson146 · 7/10 · 7 May 2020]

POSITIVES:

1) Mark Strong and Tom Wilkinson are great in every scene they're in 2) Some of the humour is laugh out loud funny 3) Features the kind of sharp and fast dialogue you'd expect from a Guy Ritchie film

NEGATIVES:

1) The Toby Kebbel character is extremely annoying and actually adds nothing to the story 2) The running gag about which way Gerard Butler swings is cringeworthy 3) The action scenes are shot with such a shaky camera that it made me feel a bit sick

Another major miss-fire from Guy Ritchie

[ajbzerosignal84 · 4/10 · 10 September 2008]

Early previews has called this a return to form. Hardly. This was for me, a major disappointment.

The moment the film begins, its as if it intentionally tries to confuse us as to what the hell this film's all about. Describing the plot is close to pointless. After all, Guy Ritchie isn't adept in the old art of storytelling, his films ran along the lines of sitcoms - a series of events instead of an actual story. Which wasn't a bad thing in the case of Lock, Stock & Snatch because emotional resonance with the audience was irrelevant. The goal there was to generate laughter. But RocknRolla is only funny in minor - and I DO mean minor - spots. What's more, it also doesn't help as it begins: of how it mentions that Britain is on the up in the property market. Seeing as of now the country is currently enduring credit-crunch problems, inflation rises and a major decrease in property value. You'd be surprised how automatically dated this makes the film.

Its unfair to judge a new film based on the director's previous efforts, but when its Guy Ritchie - who's been running on the same formula for the past 10 years - you can't help but do so. This film was advertised and touted as a return to form ala Lock, Stock and Snatch, but after the first time I watched those two, I loved them. Not looked at them with total scorn. The moments of humour and wit is few and far between, and some lines of dialogue and monologues try to add a little swagger but come off as pretentious and are inches away from falling into self-parody and returning to Revolver territory. And when the best laughs this film can generate involves around a character's homosexuality, you know this film is headed for the pits.

The performances here are strong, but it still doesn't account for the dialogue which just goes nowhere. The entire persona of Tom Wilkinson's cockney villain is almost entirely derived from Bob Hoskins in the Long Good Friday and Tony Kebbell's "Johnny Quid" (the RocknRolla of the film's title) is pretty much a totally pointless character - honestly, did this guy have any purpose in this film other than that he stole the painting? > No. In the end it doesn't help when the film's excuse for a plot is merely a bunch of distractions to hide what is really - a completely mediocre film. Its so convoluted anyway, its virtually nonsense.

Unlike Lock, Stock and Snatch, where all the characters and their situations are established, in this film they're not and it finishes with too many loose ends and plot holes, and contrivances. - What actually happened to Thandie Newton and the Russian with that painting? - Where did the whole Lenny's frame up of the characters come from then? - Will all this be revealed in Ricthie's intended sequel? Who knows? And who cares? Because if that were the case, the best described feeling that this would generate would be that you were cheated.

Guy Ritchie's flashy hyper-kinetic style is what keeps this film from being a total bore, but now's the time where he should stop writing scripts.

Fractionated Narration

[tedg · 8 August 2009]

The film-making here leverages a very simple idea that I'm amazed isn't used more: a reliance on narration, both over and in the film. Usually, the idea is to avoid excessive explaining and simply show what you need to. But Richie goes to the other extreme, distracting us from the fact that it isn't cinematic by using overtly flashy edits.

This reliance on explaining allows him to exploit multiple simultaneous cons. Everyone here has some duplicity underway and most have some independent story as well. Its as if Richie starts with a specific number of characters, makes a pass through on having each subvert the reality of the others, selects which main and alternate realities to follow in voice, and then adds some humanizing or interesting strokes.

I don't think I could take more than one of these every three years. I'd rather live in cinema than syncopated radio. But it is rather clever here, especially the business about performing: we have the rock performer (who is too stoned to perform), the painting (which we never see) and the performing accountant (whose sex is icy) as the tokens of the visual cinema.

Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.

Sadly disappointing....

[popcorncharlie · 6/10 · 4 November 2008]

I loved Lock Stock and Layer Cake (Directed by Matthew Vaughn), and even more so Snatch, so was really looking forward to rocknrolla, whilst trying to ignore the last couple of Guy's movies...

rocknrolla is essentially Lock Stock for the first half, then Layer Cake for the second half. The only really entertaining scenes come right in the middle of the movie. The cast is great, most of the characters are very good, and some of the filming and editing is very clever.

However it all feels a bit lazy, the script and plot are just a rushed rehash of Lock Stock and Layer Cake, some of the characters and "twists" are just there to fill in and make no sense, and add nothing, and ultimately if you are a fan of this genre of film you will feel let down.

A shame for the public, and a shame for the good cast, I think!

If you haven't seen Lock Stock or Layer Cake, you'll probably enjoy it more!!!

Welcome back, Guy.

[lglagro · 10/10 · 25 October 2008]

I just saw this film and I obviously loved it. I had been a huge fan of Guy Richie's "Snatch" and "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels." Then he married Madonna and made a few bum movies, especially "Revolver." Well rest easy, Guy Richie Fans, the man who made the two great movies I listed above is back and funnier, more intense, and a better writer/director than ever. The first ten or twenty minutes of the movie are a little confusing, but as long as you follow the characters and events (which isn't hard to do since they're fantastic and well acted) you'll understand and enjoy "RocknRolla". I'll also add that the soundtrack is great.

RocknRolla

[fckmanutd · 6/10 · 28 September 2008]

It's maybe unfair to expect that this film would be on par or even exceed guy Ritchie's 2 finest achievements in lock stock and snatch, but it doesn't even come close which is a shame because i really expected it to be another masterpiece.

The storyline isn't very interesting at all, most of the film is just plain boring and you don't really share any emotions with any of the characters like you usually would in Ritchie's movies. it has some good points and some of the scenes are entertaining and amusing like you would expect but these are very few and far between to keep you enthralled for the duration.

Thandie Newton is very nice to look at and Gerard butler does a solid enough performance without being spectacular but the rest of the cast are easily forgettable which is easy to see when most scenes have no substance to keep you wanting more.

let's hope Ritchie's next chapter goes back to what he does best, we know he's capable of making amazing films so here's hoping for a quick recovery to make up for this lacklustre effort.

Incredibly funny and yet very powerful.. Guy Ritchie has done it again!!

[WalkThatTalk · 8/10 · 7 September 2008]

This is a typical Guy Ritchie film. With a wide range of characters and some very powerful performances to random shots making you wonder where the story is headed but just in time to converge in one final showdown leaving you with just word.. WOW!! I can't help but compare it to SNATCH..as they are similar in so many ways...but SNATCH was much more intense, funny and a better script.

Some very fine performances from Gerard Butler from 300, Tom Wilkinson from Michael Clayton but what really surprised me was outstanding performance by Toby Kebbell. His subtle dialogue and crazy laughter really spells horror and magic at the same time. The story takes you through the world of mafia and spins all dramatic sequences with blood, deceit and loads of humor. The scene where Gerard and his gang escape from the two Russian militants... that scene made me laugh like crazy.

I just loved this movie and i can't wait to see the sequel.

Ritchies funniest movie!

[deatman9 · 7/10 · 24 November 2012]

It seems most of Guy Ritchies movies are very identical and this one compares to Snatch although in my opinion not as good but a hell of a lot funnier. This almost seems more of a comedy then a action because some parts honestly had me laughing out loud. There is some great characters and writing with a story line that keeps you interested right till the end.

This movie is about a crime boss who has a very valuable painting stolen from him. He tries to figure out who stole it and eventually figures out it was his junkie stepson and now he hires some people willing to do whatever it takes to get it back.

This movie was great definitely one of my favorite from Guy. I did not much care for lock stock and two smoking barrels but I loved snatch and this.

Money, Sex, Drugs, Rock 'n' Roll and a Lucky Painting

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 21 March 2009]

In London, the British mob boss Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson) rules the growing real estate business using a corrupt Councilor (Jimi Mistry) for the bureaucratic services and his henchman Archy (Mark Strong) for the dirty work. When he lures the small time criminals One Two (Gerard Butler) and Mumbles (Idris Elba) in a transaction, they lose their property and owe two million pounds to Lenny. Meanwhile the Russian entrepreneur and Russian mob boss Uri Omovich (Karel Roden) meets Lenny for a real estate business and Lenny charges seven-million Euros for the deal; Uri accepts, calls his accountant Stella (Thandie Newton) to laundry and raise the necessary funds and lends his lucky painting to Lenny to bring success and fortune to their business. However Stella double-crosses Uri and hires One Two and Mumbles to steal the amount while the painting is stolen from Lenny's wall by his addicted rocker stepson Johnny Quid (Toby Kebbell).

"Rocknrolla" is another great movie of Guy Ritchie in the same style of "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels". The complex and intelligent screenplay entwines characters and funny situations and the result is an entertaining movie with witty lines and excellent acting. Tom Wilkinson is fantastic in the role of a powerful crime lord. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Rocknrolla"

Guy Ritchie

[kairingler · 7/10 · 8 July 2013]

I just love these Guy Ritchie movies, the first was the best however lock stock and two smoking barrels. but this movie does have a lot of action,, fine women , great plot, interesting plot twists,, surprise ending,, everything that you come to expect from a Guy Ritchie film. I just love all of the British accents and some of the things that come out of their mouth, just utter vulgarity, and they don't give a darn who they say it to or how much for that matter. there are so many interesting characters in the movie it's hard to remember them all, so i'll pick one,, Ludicrous. I really liked his character, it's been a few years since I seen him in a movie, so it was good to see him in this type of movie where I believe he did very well for himself,, overall this is a thrill ride for a movie, but I didn't' get everything the first time so I will definitely have to watch it again to totally understand it.

Guy Ritchie at his best

[garcialeo15 · 10/10 · 17 September 2009]

Guy Ritchie's career has run red hot and ice cold over the yrs. Guy's unique European gangster movies know how to have fun. Really cool violence w/ really cool lines.

Guy Ritchie busted out w/ cult gangster faves Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. Then Madonna drained his awesome storytelling w/ Swept Away. Then came weak Revolver. Madonna wrecked one of my fave directors.

I put off seeing RocknRolla and I regret it. Guy Ritchie is back! Every BLEEPING thing I love about his movies came back in a wave. Unforgettable characters, bad a** story, cool lines, and plenty of action to boot. He did get help from two BLEEPING great actors. Mark Strong "Archy" and Toby Kebbell "Johnny Quid"

If you gave up on Guy Ritchie come back. RocknRolla will win you over.

Three strikes...

[p-stepien · 7/10 · 30 October 2010]

In this convoluted myriad of dirty deeds it's hard to really present the script. And maybe it's best not to and just let the story build up itself coming into it from the dark.

London. Cute English accents. A lot of swearing. Some fights. A lot of the criminal underground. Some audacious gags. Fast talkers. Multiple characters, mostly antiheroes and downright dirty criminals. Bad guys and badder guys. Dirty deeds. Classic Guy Ritchie with a robust script and some great performances.

So why didn't it work as well as "Lock, stock and two smoking barrels" or "Snatch"? Maybe the problem was repetitiveness. Not only by Ritchie himself, but also by the fact that a lot of directors for Great Britain and the US have tried to copy the stylish dark comedies he made in the late 90s. Problem is that after a while it's hard to keep ahead of the pack, especially if you just redo what you did last time around. Naturally this is a step up after his total flops "Swept Away" and "Revolver".

Anyway the issue of repetitiveness only scratched my senses for the first 30 minutes, but once I allowed myself to be engulfed by Ritchie's criminal world and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. The script is mostly spot on (although it does seem a bit forced at times, when Ritchie tries to tie in all the loose ends) as is the dialogue (funny, sharp, naughty and... pure ritchie). Definitely directed much better than "Sherlock Holmes", but I guess familiar territory allowed Ritchie to let loose. Enough so that it is one of the funnest movies I have watched this year with a certain slow dance being the highlight of the movie.

The cast is stellar. Not necessarily the names concerned, but the acting itself. Of special mention should be Gerald Butler, Thandie Newton, Toby Kebbell and Mark Strong. Everyone carries the picture perfectly making it at least a great watch.

All in all this movie should serve as a lesson to the director: Never leave England again - you feel the country all too well to waste your time playing make-pretend in Hollywood.

One-trick pony retches up another steaming pile of celluloid dung

[duncan-160 · 2/10 · 11 September 2008]

Would somebody PLEASE stop Guy Ritchie from writing scripts like a 15 year old public schoolboy living out some ridiculous nefarious fantasies. I cannot believe that anyone can see this film as anything other than what it is - a stream of Guy Ritchie consciousness packaged up with a load of bad language, embarrassing dialogue, two-dimensional characters you couldn't care less about and utterly utterly stupid plot - at least this time he's not trying to make it look like a Bacardi Breezer commercial - and for that I give it one more star!

As if to justify some kind of scriptwriter credentials he makes almost every single major character (of which there are many) take turns to spout half-baked philosophical claptrap as if it would give this UTTER RUBBISH some kind of value: "See that fag packet over there.....it's like life....." WHHAAAT? I cringed through most of this film listening to this nonsense; by the end I was actually feeling sorry for Ritchie for actually believing that he had some kind of talent as a writer. I enjoyed "Lock, Stock..." and "Snatch" but by the end of that film I was saying, 'yes, very clever, but enough now thank you.' After the diabolical "Swept Away" and unwatchable "Revolver" it appears that otherwise perfectly logical people seem desperate to put him back on his pedestal as 'The British Tarentino' (which he isn't, and never will be) - so much so that they are prepared to swallow anything slightly better than those two films - which it is...but only slightly.

To his credit, however, the direction is more assured and less reliant on gimmicks and the one short action scene (when it finally gets going after being irritatingly inter-cut by some (more) talking nonsense) is tremendously enjoyable. The cast is great but the acting is extremely mercurial. And, sorry but what was that gay subplot all about? Is Ritchie trying to engage a new audience or something? When it's conducted with the subtlety of an elephant on a waltzer (was that the Blue Oyster Bar from Police Academy?) I can't imagine too many converts - clumsy, crass, unfunny, pointless, offensive and just plain stupid - just like this film.

As I was watching this film I was thinking, 'If you are going to make me listen to this crud for two hours then at least give me something entertaining to look at'; I actually yearned for the visuals of Ritchie's first two films and this is what made me believe that Ritchie's films are moving backwards - and for a director that's unforgivable. Respect your audience, stop writing and start directing other people's scripts PLEASE!

As Harrison Ford once said to George Lucas on the set of Star Wars, "George, you can write this sh*t but you sure can't say it!".