The Gentlemen

While ‘The Gentlemen’ is a big step forward from Ritchie’s latest films, it’s not the return to form fans may be hoping for. That said, there is still fun to be had here, and it may work better at home than a cinematic experience.

• Chris dos Santos

Read Chris' full article... https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-the-gentlemen-underwhelming-but-fun-return-to-form-for-guy-ritchie

Nothing too unexpected here, but it's funny and hugely entertaining

You don't crucify people! Not on Good Friday!

• Harold Shand; The Long Good Friday (1980)

The Gentlemen is a return to the London gangster milieu where writer/director Guy Ritchie first made his name with films such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and snatch. (2000). His first foray into this territory since the disappointing RocknRolla (2008), The Gentlemen comes at the end of over a decade making big-budget studio-backed crimes against cinema such as Sherlock Holmes (2009), Sherlo__ck Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011), The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015), King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017), and Aladdin (2019). Granted, the film seems stuck in the last decade in more ways than one, it's highly questionable that the only gay character is a slimy man-whore into S&M, its token female character barely even manages to rise to the level of tokenism, and Ritchie does absolutely nothing new here – if you've seen Lock, Stock or snatch., you'll know pretty much exactly what to expect – but The Gentlemen is still hugely entertaining. Most of the jokes land, the dialogue is as sharp and expletive-laden as ever, the cast are having a ball, and the self-reflexivity, although a little forced in places, works well for the most part. And yes, the plot is as derivative as it gets, but there's no denying Ritchie has injected real verve into what looks on paper like an inconsequential C-movie. The Gentlemen definitely won't change your life, but it will make you laugh.

The film begins as sleazy private eye Fletcher (Hugh Grant) arrives unannounced at the home of Ray (Charlie Hunnam), right-hand man to Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey), a suave Oxford-educated American ex-pat who controls a huge marijuana empire in London, valued at around £400 million. Several months prior, Fletcher was hired by tabloid editor Big Dave (the great Eddie Marsen) to dig up...

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I've always been a fan of Guy Ritchie's style. While I do admit that he tends to overuse his own techniques (like he does in this movie), he always manages to bring something unique to his projects. He delivered a pretty good live-action remake of Aladdin while offering his own take (Jasmine has more compelling motivations). I surprisingly enjoyed King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword, but the ending is disappointing. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and the Sherlock Holmes films are entertaining and fun, to say the least. So, yes, I was sort of excited to watch The Gentlemen.

With such a stellar cast, how can someone not be interested in an old-fashioned crime-thriller? First of all, I want to get this out right away: it's a movie that anyone can enjoy, sure, but for people who know how films usually work, Ritchie applies a storytelling method that's going to make every "filmmaking nerd" lose their minds. Hugh Grant (Fletcher) is mostly the narrator of the entire story, and he's basically interpreting a "version" of Guy Ritchie telling the story of his own "flick".

This means Fletcher goes on and on about film specs like aspect ratios and film gauges but also helping the audience understand what's happening, by announcing if the story is near its climax or if "the plot thickens". It's a captivating and funny way of using exposition without it being lazy or forced. Grant also makes sure to ask the questions the audience should be asking. This way, even people who don't like to think when they go to the cinema (yes, they exist) will be able to follow the mystery unraveling.

Obviously, the unbelievable cast makes this movie so much fun. Matthew McConaughey is a masterful actor when it comes to carrying long dialogues. Everything he says is always engaging, either by the way he says it, his expressions, or the physical intensity he puts into his own words. Charlie Hunnam (Ray...

Going into this movie we knew nothing about this movie! We picked it because it was an action movie, we were pleasantly surprise to find out that's not all it is!! There is so much that is just going right in this movie, the acting is amazing, the dialogue we will be quoting for years to come, and just the over all plot is presented in a way you wouldn't think works but it does!! This movie has some pretty big names in it and they all pulled off there characters amazingly! Matthew McConaughey's acting is amazing like usual. The way Charlie Hunnam and Hugh Grant act together is hilarious, their banter is some of the best dialogue in the whole movie! If you want to hear the in-depth review and rating of this movie, come and check out Hopeful Reviews! A podcast that reviews and rates TV shows and movies!

10/10 #blessed.

The Gentlemen (2020) is a clever blend of wit, style, and thrilling storytelling that highlights Guy Ritchie's unique cinematic flair, reminiscent of his previous works like Sherlock Holmes and Aladdin. Set in London's criminal underworld, the film follows American expat Michael Pearson (Matthew McConaughey), who has built a lucrative marijuana empire. As he plans to cash out and retire, a web of plots and schemes unfolds, leading to an engaging game of cat and mouse among rival gangs and opportunistic players.

The cast delivers outstanding performances, with McConaughey excelling as the suave yet ruthless protagonist specially when it comes to something about his wife. Charlie Hunnam portrays Ray, Pearson's loyal right-hand man, adding depth to the narrative. Hugh Grant's sleazy private investigator injects dark humor into the film, keeping audiences entertained with his distinctive British accent.

Ritchie's sharp dialogue is filled with memorable one-liners and intricate plot twists that keep viewers engaged. The film's non-linear storytelling enhances character development and plot progression, showcasing Ritchie's signature style—stylish visuals paired with an energetic soundtrack.

The Gentlemen explores themes of power, loyalty, and moral complexities within the drug trade, raising questions about ambition and the lengths one will go to protect their empire. Its glamorous yet gritty portrayal of the criminal underworld offers a nuanced perspective on its characters.

In conclusion, The Gentlemen is a must-watch for crime drama fans who appreciate sharp writing and dynamic performances. Its blend of humor, action, and intrigue makes it an entertaining ride that leaves a lasting impression.

Initially, I approached this film with low expectations, thinking it would be another cliché story of revenge. However, as I watched it unfold—especially knowing it was directed by Guy Ritchie—I found myself increasingly captivat...