Gangsters, sex & karaoké

I seem to remember this film was not very well received when it was released in Britain, some critics loved it, most didn't. After Lock Stock there was a sudden spate of 'mockney'gangster films and this, very unfairly, was lumped in with the also rans. Its actually a lot of fun, the cast is excellent, (Has Ray Winstone ever given a bad performance?) the script is funny, and the pace never flags. Special mention must be made of the karaoke scenes in which all the cast sing for real, everyone acquits themselves well with special mentions to Sean Pertwee and Johnny Lee Miller (singing one of my all time favourites 'Avenues and Alleyways') If you enjoy gangster films or are fans of any of the the cast then this is a must see movie.

Firstly I sat and read the reviews on this site for this movie, and decided that this film was not for me. On arriving at the cinema however this was the only film I was able to see, and I was totally surprised. Both my friend and I enjoyed the film from start to finish. Ok, compared to Lock Stock its nothing, but as it is, I found it a very amusing, albeit slow in parts, movie. However to enjoy this movie I would recommend only those with a good sense of humour watch it.

I saw this film on a whim and I have to say I am glad I did! The cast is brilliant. The plot is simple yet effective and the humour is hillarious!

Frankly, this is the best film to ever come out of the UK bar classics like Monty Python and the Italian Job.

There are so many memorable scenes like the heist where they have all taken viagra, the stabbing in the pub and, of course, Denise Van Outen doing her bit with a cucumber.

What makes this film so good is the sub plots. While the main story ticks along the viewer can also follow each characters own mini story.

Watch it with an open mind though. It is not great cinema but does not pretend to be. Just enjoy the jokes and cast.

Just what did all the critics have against this film? True: It does look like the directors have run out with a camera and made a film on the cheap and for a bit of a giggle. But then surely that was the point. This is part farce, part Brit-gang film, part just plain old having a laugh. Its not the greatest film ever but its not actually all that bad either. Give it a go and don't judge it as something everybody else said it was trying to be. Simply enjoy it. It can't hurt can it.

Contrary to the other reviewer, I end the film wanting to add it to my collection. This movie has most of the elements of my favorite films, which sometimes include a bit of fun, self-indulgence, glam and humor. Oh, did I fail to mention gratuitous violence (ala the Catholic school girl from Kill Bill or the James Gandolfini scene in True Romance)? Jude Law makes me smile throughout the film, I see what he saw in Sadie Frost, and I must say Ray Winstone (Sexy Beast) is by far my favorite British mafioso. Great performances by Kathy Burke (Sid and Nancy), and Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill). The gang from The Sopranos never had this much fun. Someone else watch this movie, so I can find out if I'm crazy....no one appreciated Very Bad Things but me! :)