The Gentlemen

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant, Henry Golding, Lynne Renee, Tom Wu, Eddie Marsan, Jason Wong, Guy Ritchie (uncredited)
Directed by: Guy Ritchie
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Comedy
2020

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: An American (Matthew McConaughey) tries to sell his marijuana empire, which creates a series of betrayals, murders, and subterfuge by those wishing to cash in.

Review:

Tim: Guy Ritchie delivered one of the greatest crime movies ever with 2000's Snatch. While he's made good movies since then, nothing has really come close to that achievement. The Gentlemen doesn't get close either, but it's a thoroughly effective movie that on occasion feels Snatch-like in its story. I enjoyed the movie immensely and in a year where we've desperate for good movies, this feels especially refreshing.

Ritchie once again gives us an intricately plotted tale of the criminal underworld. The movie features an ensemble cast, leverages the considerable talents of those involved, and tells a fun, unexpected story. It won't be considered a classic in the same sense as Snatch was, but this is absolutely a big success for Ritchie. It's an entertaining, engrossing movie.

It's hard for me to summarize the plot, so I won't really attempt to. I do want to talk about the cast, and their roles in the plot. Matthew McConaughey is in the lead role here and he works exceedingly well. He's a talented actor and this role plays to his strengths. He's able to be charismatic and cool, but the character has just enough complexity for him to flex his acting muscles. Charlie Hunnam is truly impressive here. I marvel at how much better this guy has become as an actor. I still remember cringing throughout Pacific Rim. He's exceptional here. His role is a large one, but it always feels like an elevated supporting role. He seems so comfortable letting McConaughey soak up the spotlight while he delivers a strong performance just off center. I really, really enjoyed the work he did here. Hugh Grant likewise shines. I've been so impressed with some of his later career roles. He's branching out and whenever he does that, the audience benefits. His sleazy, slimy role here is wonderful and Grant embraces it fully. He's great fun to watch in the role. I loved getting to see Grant and Hunnam interact so much throughout this film.

I was unfamiliar with Michelle Dockery before this film, but enjoyed her performance. She delivered the funniest line of the movie (about coincidences)- I rewatched it about five times. Jeremy Strong gave an exceptional performance as well. He has serious range as an actor and I enjoyed what he did here. Colin Farrell feels like he got shortchanged just a bit, but he's so good in those smaller moments throughout the film. He doesn't get enough screen time, but he fully utilizes what he has. I really like Henry Golding and it was fun seeing him in this different role. I wouldn't say I loved his performance, but it's quite different from many of the roles I've seen him in lately. He was good. It's always fun to see Eddie Marsan, who delivers a solid performance, as expected. The cast in this movie is incredible and I give Ritchie so much credit for allowing them each to shine. That's perhaps the movie's greatest strength. Each actor get an opportunity to craft a memorable, unique character and Ritchie gives them space to fill. He provides enough oxygen through the script for truly exceptional performances to emerge. I had a blast watching this cast interact.

The story itself is complicated, but in an accessible way. Ritchie nails this- so often movies try to be intricately complex but come across as obtuse. This is a complex plot, but you don't have to work exceptionally hard to follow it. I enjoyed the different narrative techniques. Much of the movie is narrated by Hugh Grant and we see flashbacks, although some scenes are pure fiction, which the movie lets us know. Ritchie attacks this with his trademark fast-paced dialogue and action. It all adds up to a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience.

The Gentlemen may not be Ritchie's best film, but it's in his top 3 for me (out of the 8 movies I've seen). I had so much fun watching this movie and I'd recommend it to anyone. It definitely requires a bit more focus to follow than your average crime movie, but the payoff is absolutely worth it.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Snatch, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword