Eric’s Film Review: The Gentlemen
Directed by Guy Ritchie, best known for his films “Snatch” and the “Sherlock Holmes” series, “The Gentlemen” is a modern-day crime flick with a comedic twist.
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Colin Farrell, and Hugh Grant, the film is set in London and centers around McConaughey: a long-time marijuana farmer who is looking to get out of the business.
At the heart of the story sits Hunnam, who plays McConaughey’s right hand man, and Grant, a sketchy tabloid photographer. The two spend most of the film in a witty back-and-forth dialogue, recapping the film in a series of flashbacks until the viewer catches up to their particular moment in time.
Playing the main antagonist in the film is Henry Golding who is looking to low-ball McConaughey and disrupt his cash out. Most recently known for his role in Crazy Rich Asians, Golding plays the villainous role with such ease and swagger. As Hugh Grant puts it best in the film, he “Bursts on the scene like a millennial firework.”
I love the way Guy Ritchie frames this film. He allows Hunnam and Grant to essentially pitch the audience the plot, while following up each pitch with a flashback. The dialogue in this film, a Guy Ritchie staple, is what drives the film. I found myself, as well as the entire theater, laughing consistently throughout the movie.
While “The Gentlemen” is very funny, it also adds a level of violence, another Ritchie staple. Placed appropriately throughout the film, the violence is neither out of place nor over the top. It helps keep the story moving and delivers on previous teases.
“The Gentlemen” is an entertaining and hilarious flick, delivered to the audience as a film pitch in itself. I love the cast and think each actor played their character perfectly. I am also very glad Matthew McConaughey did not try to pull off an English accent because that could have been catastrophic.
I give “The Gentlemen” 8.5/10 for its originality and comedic tone.
