Energetic and thickly plotted British Gangster Movie with some Talent both on and off the Screen. It is an expected violent and scuzzy affair with momentum that keeps one interested if confused at times. There are so many Characters and Subplots that it is better to just strap in and enjoy the Rocking and Rolling.
With its Sixties Soundtrack of fuzz-tone and angst it can't help but remind one of Scorsese because there is so much of it. That's not necessarily a bad thing. What is a bad thing is some ill advised use of undeveloped and mishandled side Stories. A suggestion might be to eliminate or develop the Bodyguard stuff and enhance the Sister's Story, since that seems to be dear to our Anti-Hero's Heart.
Anyway, there is more here than needed and things come off as jigsaw puzzle pieces in the wrong box. But it is engaging with its despicable Thugs (one actually brags he has killed Babies while laughing about it), and a perverted, ruthless Kingpin. This is not airy-fairy-wacky and frivolous like so many Lock and Stock rips, it is a rather serious and downward look at the always interesting crusty Criminal Element.
With its Sixties Soundtrack of fuzz-tone and angst it can't help but remind one of Scorsese because there is so much of it. That's not necessarily a bad thing. What is a bad thing is some ill advised use of undeveloped and mishandled side Stories. A suggestion might be to eliminate or develop the Bodyguard stuff and enhance the Sister's Story, since that seems to be dear to our Anti-Hero's Heart.
Anyway, there is more here than needed and things come off as jigsaw puzzle pieces in the wrong box. But it is engaging with its despicable Thugs (one actually brags he has killed Babies while laughing about it), and a perverted, ruthless Kingpin. This is not airy-fairy-wacky and frivolous like so many Lock and Stock rips, it is a rather serious and downward look at the always interesting crusty Criminal Element.