RocknRolla (DVD, 2009, Special Edition)

Features Acotrs:Gerard Butler,Thandie Newton,Idris Elba,Karel Roden,Tony Kebbell,Mark Strong,Jeremy Piven and Chris Bridges
Running time:115 Min.
Rating:R

Tom Wilkinson stars as Lenny Cole, an old school gangster turned businessman who’s made his millions in real estate. When two fellow crooks – One Two (Gerard Butler) and Mumbles (Idris Elba) – try to do the same, they’re unknowingly screwed over by Cole and then forced to return his part of the investment or suffer the consequences. Meanwhile, Cole has just inked another property deal with a Russian named Uri (Karel Roden) who needs help cutting through some red tape, and as a sign of his appreciation, he allows Cole to borrow his lucky painting until the deal is complete. When the money meant for Cole is stolen by One Two and Mumbles in an ironic twist of fate, however, the deal is forced into limbo. The situation is made even worse when Uri’s painting is stolen by a junkie rock star named Johnny Quid (Tony Kebbell), prompting Cole to send his right-hand man Archie (Mark Strong) after Quid’s former managers (Jeremy Piven and Chris Bridges) in order to track down the presumed dead RocknRolla.
If you’re not completely overwhelmed yet, there’s a good chance you will be as even more characters are introduced into the fold, including an untrustworthy accountant (Thandie Newton) and a pair of seemingly indestructible Russian thugs. Still, the story is never so complex that you won’t understand what’s going on. Those familiar with Ritchie’s work know that his films operate in a Seinfeldian fashion – with several smaller stories converging into one big story the further along it gets – and this time around, Ritchie doesn't waste any time in putting the gears into motion. The film is also just as funny, action-packed and thrilling as “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch,” but it’s not nearly as hyper-stylized. That isn’t to say that “RocknRolla” isn’t stamped with Ritchie’s trademark visual style, but he’s clearly matured in the way it’s utilized. There are no more fancy camera tricks just for the sake of looking cool, but rather more unique sequences (like one where he uses onscreen text to relay a muted discussion) that don't feel as out of place.

All the glitter and gloss in the world could be applied to the final product and it still wouldn’t make "RocknRolla" as appealing as its eccentric cast of characters does. This movie was boring from the begining, but does get more action the more you watch.I rented it hoping that with all the great actors it would be more better, but I felt dissapointed.Hope this helps you decide.Thanks for reading! :)

I don't know how people can see this movie isn't good. So far every Guy Ritchie film I have seen has been five stars. I think some people just need not watch films that don't appeal to them in the first place. Some people have to use big words to review films on here and they think they have to review every film. Some have never seen some of the films they review all the way through because they say they got bored half way through. Every part of the movie can not be totally crazy with excitement or there would be no climax. If you like Snatch or Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels you will love this movie. I'M buying it anyway. Don't be close minded and listen to these people that probably watch the outstanding explosions, guns blazing, getting shot 93 times and living through it, or unrealistic adventure movies This is a great movie and that's all there is to it. I'M buying it anyway.

I loved it. I actually liked it as much as Snatch. The storyline was familiar, but still entertaining. Ritchie's new characters are just as memorable as his others in the past. I loved the contrast of the "Wild Bunch." The dance was my favorite scene and "sausage and beans" was a close second. The movie moved, the characters were all colorful, and the soundtrack was fabulous. The British and Scottish accents only added to the humor. The more times that you watch it, the more you love it!

I don't know what movie the other reviewer saw, but it wasn't "RocknRolla." This was easily one of the best films of 2008 (& it showed up on many critics lists) but suffered from a horrible marketing campaign. The previous reviewer complained that it jumps all over (and it does!) but the average eight-year-old would have no trouble following it. For those that like films with an edge and that the viewer actually has to invest some thought it, it's an absolute blast. And the soundtrack is killer!

A phenomenal film filled with humor, violence and a mystery. Dark and clever with highly likable and relatable characters. One of the best death/action scenes I've even seen and some bright new English talent. Need to buy it to watch it again and again.