RocknRolla

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There is something about Guy Ritchie that polarises movie-goers. Since he burst onto the scene a few years back with Lock, Stock and Snatch, folk have either subscribed to his ultra-stylistic way of filmmaking, or written him off as simply a British Tarantino clone. Then he had two clunkers in a row - Swept Away and the risible Revolver - and his core audience of loyal, banter-loving males seemed to give up hope of a return to his Cockney gangster roots. They need not have feared, as Ritchie is very much back on fine form with this hugely kinetic, but enjoyable romp through London's crime scene. Centring on a painting belonging to a Russian billionaire, a series of characters are introduced rapidly. The plan is to steal seven million clams from said billionaire, who they think won't miss it. Gerard Butler is humble, proficient semi-criminal One Two, while Tom Wilkinson is Lenny, the leader of the old-school London criminals who finds himself pandering to the Russians. The catalyst for all the shenanigans is Pete Doherty-like rock star Johnny Sloane, and smug, posh totty accountant Thandie Newton, who sets up the deal without thinking of the repercussions for One Two and the rest of his posse, The Wild Bunch. Needless to say, things get overly complicated for the majority of the running time, and actually border on convoluted at points; but everything moves along at such a breakneck pace, it's genuinely hard to notice. There are a couple of standout sequences that prove Ritchie still has the aesthetic prowess to deliver hugely competent thrills. One such scene sees Butler being chased by an unrelenting burly Russian, unwilling to let his boss down. It's funny, exciting and very well put together - much like the film itself. There are quibbles a-plenty, though; boasting such a wise ensemble cast and giving Jeremy Piven little to work with is nothing short of scandalous, while the final scene is downright stupid, and undermines much of the hard work that preceded it. This is still a great night out waiting to happen for those willing to go with the flow, though.