You should probably go see RocknRolla when it comes out worldwide on October 10th. A couple months back we were nice and gave you the heads up on it. We’re here to tell you that we were right to clue you kids in.
As per usual, we decided to crash Flux’s weekly chaotic and disorganized “Cinema Tuesdays“, managing to get in by the hair of our chinny chin chins. As such, we were rewarded with tasty treats, booze, and RocknRolla all at a price we could manage: free. As much as we despise the business conduct of Flux, they still know how to treat those who manage to get past the dark suited security team.
But I digress, it’s the movie you wanna know about and as we said, you should probably get your ass out and check in with Guy Ritchie’s latest. Before you ask, Yes, it’s like Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. But damn if this isn’t a good thing. Why you ask? Because he’s back to doing what he does best. Being Guy Ritchie. Funny bad guys? Check. Awesome Badass characters? Check. Mob Bosses? Check. Smarmy British Narration? Check. Missing Artifact? Check. Rapid-fire Edited Sequences? Check. Check. And Check. I could go on forever, but y’all get the point. Really, what else do you need from him?
Without giving much away, let’s talk about, the cast. Pretty much fantastic, beginning with Gerard Butler (who isn’t even the main protagonist of the film), on to Tom Wilkinson, down to Mark Strong (filling in for Jason Statham who’s off doing Transporter 14) and finally to the “rocknrolla” himself Toby Kebbell. Underused unfortunately are Thandie Newton, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, and sadly Jeremy Pivens. Newton’s character really could’ve been played by any girl in the world. Her part was necessary to the story, but she didn’t really do anything to make it hers, aside from being smokin’ hot. Bridges and Pivens, however, were the bigger let downs. Seeming to be acquaintances with Ritchie, who probably made parts for them to be in the movie, their characters were really unnecessary. On the flip side, I was surprised most with Butler, who is stretching his range from 300 and really shows us a hidden knack for comedic timing. Granted he’s no Brad Pitt as Mickey O’Neil, but then that’s not under his control, as both are two different characters.
Another glaring object of our affection regarding the film, is the look it brings. Not just decoratively or in the costume, but the texture, to which we give credit to Cinematographer David Higgs. It’s got the grit of a Spielberg helmed Janusz Kaminski movie, with extra grime that suits the characters and settings. Certain sequences to keep an eye out for as well are: the chase scene (as only Ritchie can make pretty awesome), the sex scene, the carjacking scene, Gerard Butler’s mugging and taunting in every scene.
When all was said and done, the film wasn’t the best, but short and sweet. Get out there and have some fun with this. Don’t forget to bring a translator though. As for us, we can’t wait to see the next two!
Photo Credit: Steven Duart
Note: A special props goes out to the one and only Stringer Bell himself for showing up and talking about the film.
Via Warner Bros.com
yeah, I barely got in too.
when did they start releasing tickets, like 5pm? I showed up at 6 and a few hundred people had already gotten theirs. by the time I got in, I only had time for ONE free drink. sheesh.
the film was good. I liked it better than ‘Snatch.’
how funny was that Frenchie’s question for Idris?
Luke: Yeah, I think we’re gonna start calling it “Club Flux”. They seem more concerned about the line outside of the building than getting their art out to the masses. Of course, we got in, so who are we to complain….much.
I still like Snatch quite a bit. I like the soundtrack a bit more and the double shot of Del Toro and Pitt is formidable.
As for the “Frenchie’s” question. Yup, pretty out there. I couldn’t tell if she just wanted to ask something for the sake of asking or was dead serious. Asking “How different the movie would be if it were made in America” is like asking how different it’d be if it were made on Mars.
I’m glad you at least didn’t make fun of my question regarding his transgression from Stringer Bell to Mumbles!
You gonna be there for Wong Kar Wai next week? Cause you know we are.
heh, totally “Club Flux.”
Pitt & Del Toro were the best things about that movie. the rest? meh. Ritchie’s music choice are always pretty stellar. although, I can’t commit on ‘Swept Away.’
but what if Mumbles was playing a Martian? would that be different if it was made in America?
I cannot say no to free booze and hipster girls. so yeah, I’ll be there…plus that Wong Kar Wai guy, he’s a’ight.
wait wait wait, Where are these free viewings you speak of and how do I get on board?!
http://flux.net/cinema-tuesdays-october
ooo! thank you