coming soon: RockNRolla

One of the most eagerly awaited films of the year is Guy Ritchie's latest crime caper, "RocknRolla" - a fast-talking, plot-driven, hilarious stunner of a film that will blow audiences away as long as they pay close attention to the film's crazy plot.

In a nutshell, a Russian mobster orchestrates a crooked land deal, putting millions of dollars up for grabs and attracting all of London's criminal underworld led by the amoral Lenny Cole [Tom Wilkinson], the ambitious One Two [Gerard Butler] and a crooked, cold, sexy accountant [Thandie Newton].

To try and explain these characters' connections would take up more space than is possible here, but suffice it to say, the film's ending, in true Ritchie style, is the ultimate payoff. "RocknRolla" is very British, and while a major Hollywood studio is releasing it, Ritchie has refused to tone it down, from language to violence.

This film shows what a remarkable filmmaker Ritchie is, from the way he audaciously uses editing, as he cuts from character to character and scene to scene. This is a sharp, fast and kinetic work, a film that is a visual feast, and also a masterpiece of dialogue and character.

Wilkinson steals the film as the underworld figure that epitomizes manipulation. He is simply magnificent, relishing the character and chewing the scenery at every turn. Butler is droll and charming, while Newton is exquisite as Stella. Full of wonderful villainy, this is cinematic gangsterism as only Ritchie can convey, pulling apart the mythology of the genre and contemporary London. "RocknRolla" is a stunningly mesmerising and exhilarating entertainment not to be missed. (Source: DarkHorizons)

*sounds like a smart and funny movie!