RocknRolla

“People ask the question... what's a RocknRolla? And I tell 'em - it's not about drugs, drums, and hospital drips, oh no. There's more there than that, my friend. We all like a bit of the good life - some the money, some the drugs, other the sex game, the glamour, or the fame. But a RocknRolla, oh, he's different. Why? Because a real RocknRolla wants the f***ing lot.”

Guy Ritchie proves that even mid-divorce he can supply quality Brit-grit cinema. “RocknRolla” is the complicated amalgamation of old school big timers and endearing petty criminals looking for the ultimate break we’ve come to know and adore in “Snatch” and “Lockstock”. But this time there are more layers of sophistication, more faces to try and remember and it is a hell of a lot sexier thanks to Thandie Newton and Gerard Butler.

For plot, pay attention: First, son of old timer Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson), is the psycho intellectual junkie/rock star Johnny Quid. Quid fakes his own death. Uri a Russian who doesn’t drink vodka has a lucky painting, it’s gone missing and he wants it back. Then you meet accountant Stella (Newton) who not only defies the laws of gravity in skyscraper heels but also fancies herself as a bit of a real estate meddler. Throw in a group of assorted lowlifes - including One Two (Gerard Butler) who dances like you would not believe, Tank the gangster with a penchant for period drama and Archy, suited, booted and brilliant.

A few shots of the Thames, some upper class parties and a dive of a pool room and you have yourself a film. “RocknRolla” is quirky, suave and classily British. The Ritchie humour is back on top form too and look out for the chase scene, Bond can barely compete.

Ella Walker