A DISGRACE TO CRIMINALS EVERYWHERE.
When Tom (Jason Flemyng) and three buddies take part in a high-stakes card game, they end up owing a gangster boss half a million pounds and desperately try to come up with cash.Ā This low-budget heist movie set in the London underworld was a hit, even among some critics, and became director Guy Ritchieās breakthrough. He cast the movie well, even offering us an effective performance as a torpedo by Vinnie Jones, then one of the soccer worldās most aggressive players. A visual feast, but all the tricks in the world canāt quite conceal the shallowness of the concept and characters.
1998-Britain-U.S. 106 min. Color.Ā Written and directed byĀ Guy Ritchie.Ā Editing:Ā Niven Howie.Ā Cast:Ā Jason Flemyng (Tom), Dexter Fletcher (Soap), Nick Moran (Eddie), Jason Statham, Steven Mackintosh, Vinnie Jonesā¦ Sting.
Trivia:Ā Dedicated to the memory of Lenny McLean, one of the filmās actors who died from cancer a month before the premiere. Statham’s first film. Ray Winstone was allegedly considered for a part. The movie inspired a TV series,Ā Lock, Stockā¦Ā (2000).
Quote:Ā āThe entire British empire was built on cups of tea and if you think Iām going to war without one, mate, youāre mistaken.ā (Moran)