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This breakout hit that brought director Guy Ritchie international acclaim made over $28
million at the box office following its August 28, 1998 release in the UK. The low-budget
comedy crime thriller follows a group of four friends who get mixed up in a bizarre series
of events involving gangsters, loan sharks, drug dealers, and antique shotguns. Jason
Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, and Jason Statham make up the core group of protagonists...
but dozens of other familiar English actors pop in and out of the script during its 106-minute
run-time. All of them do a great job with the believable, but totally ridiculous plot,
including Statham, in his film debut. The unconventional story plays out like gritty,
British version of Seinfeld... with a series of crazy coincidences and mix-ups propelling
the narrative from scene to scene. This unique style is both the film's strongest element,
and its weakest: as it sometimes gets a bit too convoluted for its own good. Also, most
of the actual action sequences are quick fights or shoot-outs, largely included to forward
the plot, rather than to provide thrills themselves. Besides being presented with fast-moving,
heavily stylized cinematography, the R-rated film also has a wicked sense of humor to it,
which helps keep things light and playful despite the bloody action, and the movie's
125-uses of the "f-word". When Fletcher questions whether their enemies are armed, Moran humorously
retorts, "Err, bad breath, colorful language, feather duster... what do you think they're
gonna be armed with? Guns, you ***!" Indeed, the movie's best moments are the unexpected
surprises, like when our four bumbling criminals accidentally discover a kidnapped traffic
warden in the back of a van they stole. The occasional use of Brit-pop and rock music
makes this a fun and lively picture even during the most violent moments. Repeated viewings
are almost required for a film this complex: as it's near impossible to pick up all the
nuanced elements, jokes, and set-ups the first time through. When it's all over, you'll be
left with a smile on your face - even if everything that preceded the quirky climax really never
had a point. An inventive, quotable, and damn entertaining adventure, "Lock, Stock And Two
Smoking Barrels" is an "Outrageously interesting British crime movie." Now let's see what you
had to say in the YouTube comments.
"Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels" on the rate-o-matic... a NINE and an EIGHT. Expertly
blending comedy and crime elements into a very enjoyable experience, you scored it an
AWESOME. For me, this was a very fun picture - but it also seemed a bit juvenile and silly
too, so I'll score it a GREAT.