La critique de James Berardinelli (fin)
Since the film relies heavily on ironic plot twists, it would be unfair to reveal more. Suffice it to say that all of the above represents only the barest of background information. One of the most enjoyable aspects of Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels is appreciating the way in which the story unfolds, using both expected and unanticipated turns to enhance the comic flavor. To the very end, the movie manages to be unpredictable, and it never loses its sense of humor. Many caper comedies have a tendency to run out of steam before the final act; that isn't the case here, and the coup de grace is impeccable.
When it comes to characters, Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels boasts no fewer than 22 significant roles. Many of the actors are not recognizable faces. In fact, a few of them are making their motion picture debuts. Others, like Jason Flemyng (Deep Rising), Dexter Fletcher (The Man Who Knew Too Little), Steven Mackintosh (The Land Girls), and (of course) Sting, may be familiar to frequent movie-goers. For the most part, everyone does a solid job essaying one of the various inept thugs or criminals. Those familiar with the British soap "Eastenders" will find that any of the characters from Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels would fit into the neighborhood of Albert Square with little difficulty.
Ritchie's style is direct and accomplished. Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels keeps moving; it's kinetic, in-your-face filmmaking. This may be the first movie to capture the reckless exuberance of Pulp Fiction without seeming like a blatant rip-off. With memorable witticisms sprinkled throughout, the dialogue is at least as clever as the plot structure. (For example, one character remarks that he expected an easy job not "a bad day in Bosnia." Another individual, quoting a line attributed to Winston Churchill, comments that "golf is the perfect way to spoil a good walk.") Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels has plenty of laughs and a few surprises to offer to all but the most squeamish of viewers. It's a superior thriller made with the guts and gusto that too many recycled entries into the genre fail to exhibit.
