RocknRolla (2008)

Set in London with a bunch of crooked guys ruling the roost. We have Lenny Cole, the man who calls himself the boss of London. He has the judges, the councilors etc in his pocket. Archy is his right hand man and makes sure things are going fine.

Then, we have The Wild Bunch - One Two, Mumbles and Bob, a bunch of small timers waiting for any chance to make money. There is also a Russian who deals with Lenny to enter the real estate scene in London. His accountant Stella is in the mood to make money and she takes the services of The Wild Bunch. They steal 7 million euros meant for Lenny and give a small share to Stella.

The Russian's favorite painting which was given to Lenny also goes missing. Finally, we have Johnny Quid - the rocknrolla who goes missing often to boost his music sales and is proclaimed dead many times. He is Lenny's step son and the painting is actually with him. His managers are instructed to find him.

There are more small characters and everything goes seamlessly and Archy takes control towards the end after knowing the truth behind Lenny. Archy, Johnny and The Wild Bunch survive and are supposed to be back in a sequel. I am waiting!!!

Review

• Typical Guy Ritchie style. Engaging, complex, light hearted and never a dull moment. 
• All the actors have a small part in the bigger scheme of things. They are all competent actors. Mark Strong, Gerald Butler, Tom Hardy, Toby Kebbell, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton (sexy and seductive) etc. lead the huge ensemble cast. 
• The lighthearted banter that One Two and Bob have over the fact that Bob is gay, Johnny's drug trips and philosophies, Archy's narration, Lenny's modus-operandi, Stella's scheming ways, the Russian bodyguards who constantly chase The Wild Bunch during their 2nd steal etc etc. Engaging stuff. 
• The theme music is terrific. A real rage. The title credits are addictive just for this music and the title graphics.

VERDICT

Another Guy Ritchie classic in typical style

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Whats it about
A stylish depiction of the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his assistant John Watson in eliminating the dreaded black magic exponent Lord Blackwood. Holmes nabs Blackwood in his 6th act after 5 murders, and succeeds in getting a death sentence for him. But Blackwood returns from the dead and plans to take over the entire world through some shady plans that involves many murders based on some maps, directions and signs (man,ox,eagle, lion)
          Holmes' former sweetheart Irene also gets involved through another professor Moriarty who employs her to get some details through Holmes. Holmes and John have their share of differences over many matters including John's fiancée Mary but, they stick on for friendship's sake and for their sheer brilliance and succeed in putting an end to Blackwood before his final act at the Parliament.
       Finally Holmes proves that Blackwood's schemes and plans were all based on pure science, logic, the fear that he instilled among people and that there was no magic involved

                                                                        
Hits

• Robert Downey Jr. Perfectly cast. As the always rational, logical detective with absolute attention to detail, Downey rocks with his elegant and nonchalant style
• Guy Ritchie's touches. The sequences when Holmes visualizes in his mind what he intends to do before he actually attacks his opponents are mind blowing examples of innovation. 
• Jude Law as Watson is majestic and classic with his manly style and western looks. 
• Hans Zimmer's soundtrack is quite repetitive but ear-pleasing nevertheless. 
• The art direction is terrific. Many scenes look just like paintings. The color schemes make the London of old look absolutely gorgeous. 
• Mark Strong's solid voice is his biggest plus in his portrayal of Lord Blackwood.  

VERDICT

New age style and some surreal visuals/visual effects make the action set in London of 1890 look absolutely stunning. The lead male cast's contribution is no less either.