RocknRolla

I know this movie was out last October, but I think it's worthy of my words here. I'll revisit films from time to time. It's certainly one thing I love about movies, the ability to make time stand still. Once it's released to the public, it becomes etched into the fabric of society for all to see, scrutinize, and/or enjoy for eternity. 

"RocknRolla" is Guy Ritchie's latest formulaic story-telling roller coaster ride. Always shooting as though in a music video, he creates a momentum that is quick and neck-breaking. He began his ascent with "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels". Then took us another turn with "Snatch". Then he zigged instead of zagged and made an abomination of a film with his then-wife Madonna in, "Swept Away". 

His characters are usually so deep and fun, it's difficult to take your eyes off them. Normally London gangsters or wanna-be's, all searching for the ultimate score to finally retire from the streets. Many people going after the same heist in their own seedy, underbelly fashion. There-in lies the fun. In "Lock" there were priceless shotguns, "Snatch" a diamond the size of a fist, and "RocknRolla" is a priceless painting. Imagine a two hour long "Three's Company" episode and you might be able to grasp his style of filming. The dialogue and banter between deviant and sidekick is always spellbinding.

However, this film is a pale comparison to his other achievements. The characters still had depth, but not nearly as entertaining as his past attempts. While it's still fun to see and go with him on the ride, it's so similar to his first two, it's really predictable. The story is about a Mob boss, Old School, attempting to work out a real estate investment with a sketchy Russian tycoon, New School, looking to take over a certain section in London. They exchange a painting as a symbol of good faith and this is where the insanity begins. It gets much more involved and complicated,

but I've certainly given you enough to go on.

The cast includes Gerard Butler, (300, P.S. I Love You), Tom Wilkinson, (Golden Globe winner for John Adams, Valkyrie, Michael Clayton), Thandie Newton, (Crash, The Pursuit of Happyness, Mission Impossible 2), and Jeremy Piven, (Entourage). All of which are average at best, given all of their fruitful backgrounds.

It may turn into one of those must-have DVD's, such as "Lock" did. But I recommend renting it on a rainy Sunday to pass the time.

RATING: C