His follow up film isn't a sequel but you could be forgiven for thinking that it was. It features some of the same cast and has a similar criminal underground setting. Unfortunately Ritchie doesn't try and stretch himself too much with this film. It features many of the same stylistic tricks as its predecessor, except with the intensity cranked up considerably. The first ten minutes is a whirlwind of images that will challenge even the most MTV addicted teen to stay with it. After that it settles down and we finally get a chance to come to grips with the flurry of information that was just thrown at us.
The entire plot focuses on the theft and possession of an 84 carat flawless diamond and boxing. The big rock is initially swiped by a group lead by Frankie Four Fingers (Benicio Del Toro). This eventually involves a host of characters with names like Doug the Head, Boris the Blade (aka Boris the Bullet Dodger) and Bullet Tooth Tony. On the other side of the movie we have Turkish (Jason Statham), a boxing promoter, setting up a fight with another promoter, Brick Top, a guy noted for feeding people who tick him off to pigs. Turkish and his brother Tommy (Stephen Graham) find themselves in a lot of trouble with Brick Top when their fighter gets wupped by a Pikey with an indecipherable accent named One Punch Mickey (Brad Pitt). From there the two plots have things get worse and worse until the two slam into each other with some surprising results.
Like its predecessor, this movie drips with style and humor. On the downside, it doesn't have as coherent a storyline. Much of this story hinges on some really dimwitted characters and dubious logic. This does make for plenty of funny scenes though. Ritchie uses music and fast cut side tangents to effectively add depth to his characters without excess dialogue. For instance, whenever Frankie Four Fingers hears of gambling we see a flash of casino images with "Viva Las Vegas" playing in the background to hint that he might have a gambling problem. We learn of how Bullet Tooth Tony came about his name in a quick flashback set to the tune of Madonna's "Lucky Star." I'm sure that choice was just a coincidence though.
Brad Pitt stands out the most amongst the many actors but mostly for how willing he is to inhabit such a grungy character. His Irish brogue is so thick that many of his lines are impossible to translate. The funny part is that only his own family seems able to understand him. Turkish and Tommy, looking to have him fight for them because of his devastating left hook, have no more luck in figuring out what he says than we do. Statham himself has a nice screen presence but mostly has to play straight man to the movie's extensive collection of oddball characters. Vinnie Jones continues to show a flair for humor and action. Somebody is sure to cast him as the lead in a big action movie eventually.
The movie is very funny but mostly pointless. It doesn't really go anywhere or try to say anything. Ritchie mostly seems to want to say "See? I can do it again!" The main difference between the two movies is that this one has a much darker tone while simultaneously going for more laughs. That makes some of the scenes lack any real impact. There are moments that appear to want to horrify the audience, adding some gravity to the situation. But at the same time the jokes keep flying, robbing the scene of its power.
It's a fun movie to watch but feels too much like a retread of the previous film. Ritchie needs to stretch himself a bit more, try something different. He clearly has a lot of talent and a great sense of humor. He just needs to put more of that talent to use and not just rest on his laurels.
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