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You're reading a really old version of matt-thornton's website. For example, if you're looking at the movie reviews... you'll notice that none of them are of recent films. Indeed, I leave them here for posterity's sake, but I doubt very much that they'll get updated anytime soon. So have a giggle.
You might, if you're lucky, find something recent from Matt at his blog matt's debates. Kernow bys vyken.
Layer Cake
the one line review:
lock stock it ain't
the overview
I have rule that I never switch a film off half way through. I've never done it, and I don't intend to do it. But I really nearly did with this.
the plot:
Craig plays a cocaine dealer, who's looking to retire young after making a few bob. At the last minute, his dealer ropes him in on a job that he has no choice but to do. It involves a truckload of ectasy that have been stolen from some druglord in Amsterdam, and also finding the daughter of some other gangstaman.
Blah blah. Lots of subplots and mini stories ensue. Lots of crossed wires, backstabbing and twisty little occurrences.
Film ends, lots of people dead, it's all OK in the end, everyone lives happily ever after.
the verdict:
I'm being particularly harsh on this film for no apparent reason. It's not that bad, really. But it was dull. I was bored. And that takes some doing. You feel like it's trying to be a Guy Ritchie film (who was actually lined up to direct this before dropping out last minute. I wonder how different it might have been had he in fact done it) but it's just not that cool. The cast do a good job, and Craig (who I believe is lined up as the next Dr. Who) is OK. Not hugely convincing, but OK. Lots of regulars appear in it, including that really ugly fella who was in Grange Hill and then in Lock Stock.
There is a fairly unexpected last ditch attempt at a good ending, which worked OK, but by then I was so bored I couldn't care less. It doesn't gel together the way others have before, and there's nothing particularly revolutionary about this.
I wouldn't bother with this one, unless you're feeling particularly patriotic and want to support UK film.
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