The Gentlemen

7

eutohiusFeb 12, 2020

It is definitely not a masterpiece. Either is it not a movie that I will review in a year or two. Still, an enjoyable work, with a great cast, and solid writing as well. If you liked Ritchie's earlier movies (which unfortunately didn't ageIt is definitely not a masterpiece. Either is it not a movie that I will review in a year or two. Still, an enjoyable work, with a great cast, and solid writing as well. If you liked Ritchie's earlier movies (which unfortunately didn't age well), you'll probably like The Gentlemen.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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1

Sed8edFeb 11, 2020

Horrible. I walked out. Hard to follow, dumb plot. Weak and annoying storyline.

3 of 23 users found this helpful320

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3

iamdavyboiFeb 10, 2020

Boring! Kind of forgot where I was and what I was watching about 40 mins in. The movie attempts to come off like Oceans 11 or something of that nature but ends up seeming like a long-form Lincoln commercial.

2 of 13 users found this helpful211

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10

Johnson8681Feb 10, 2020

Absolutely loved this film, has it all one of the best movies I have seen in years must see!

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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2

georgiadrewFeb 9, 2020

Some good acting but lots of unnecessary nasty language which the perverts in the audience liked. matthew mcconaughey gave a pathetic performance and should go back to making car commercials which is what he is best at doing.

3 of 17 users found this helpful314

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8

SWEEPtheLEG175Feb 7, 2020

The last few Guy Ritchie films have been horrible IMO, this is more like Snatch. What a great film and a lot of fun. Colin Farrell steels the show with limited screen time. Everyone is great though and if you haven't figured this out inThe last few Guy Ritchie films have been horrible IMO, this is more like Snatch. What a great film and a lot of fun. Colin Farrell steels the show with limited screen time. Everyone is great though and if you haven't figured this out in 2020 yet, professional critics are not to be trusted, it's hilarious.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

Bulletsponge69Feb 7, 2020

It’s an excellent movie. It’s definitely in the vein of other Guy Ritchie movies. Lots of action, lots of jokes , way better than Bad Boys 4.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

LotheravantiFeb 7, 2020

Remember when movies used to be fun? Remember movies like Snatch, Lock Stock, Boondock Saints, Lucky Number Slevin? This isn't a homage to those movies, it's its own thing, but it feels just as fun. This movie will keep you guessing fromRemember when movies used to be fun? Remember movies like Snatch, Lock Stock, Boondock Saints, Lucky Number Slevin? This isn't a homage to those movies, it's its own thing, but it feels just as fun. This movie will keep you guessing from start to finish. Well written, well shot, well acted. Instant classic.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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7

BatMiteFeb 7, 2020

A fun return to the British gangster film by Guy Ritchie that is not unlike Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels although never quite achieves the same light. The movie is well written and stylishly shot with a web-tangle storyA fun return to the British gangster film by Guy Ritchie that is not unlike Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels although never quite achieves the same light. The movie is well written and stylishly shot with a web-tangle story that comedically unfolds through Hugh Grant's wonderful narration to Charlie Hunnam's mild amusement and annoyance. Matthew McConaughey stars as the king of the streets and delivers a great performance that demands the screen like no other as they twist and turn through the mystery of the story. The pace tends to slow a bit but is never boring due to the writing and sheer madness of the characters we meet throughout. Standouts like Grant and Colin Farrell elevate the material they are given and Hunnam's straight man performance is enough to have fun when he finally does get involved in the violent chaos of the movie.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

oneofmanyFeb 6, 2020

This movie is incredibly fun to watch. If you liked Guy Ritchie's style you will love this.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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10

MrN0Nam3Feb 6, 2020

Fantastic movie! Plot twists, casting, humor are superb! Not very fair critics results but you know this shty tolerant industry today :)

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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9

d0vla11Feb 6, 2020

Such a clever screenplay and acting, this one is a must-see for Guy Ritchie fans and casual cinema-goers.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

Compi24Feb 4, 2020

Though some have found "The Gentlemen" to be a showcase of writer/director Guy Ritchie at his most entry level, it just so happens to be exactly what this reviewer was asking for all along. As someone who's clung so unabashedly to the notionThough some have found "The Gentlemen" to be a showcase of writer/director Guy Ritchie at his most entry level, it just so happens to be exactly what this reviewer was asking for all along. As someone who's clung so unabashedly to the notion that his "Sherlock Holmes" films are the best things he's ever done, I was wary of this return to the early days for Ritchie. I don't particularly dislike movies like "Lock, Stock," "Snatch" or "RocknRolla." I just find them a bit too showy and brash for my tastes. However, it seems the skills accrued via those jaunts through studio-dom have perhaps melded with the indie sensibilities that were already so present within the man. And the movie's all better for it. Yes, "The Gentlemen" is still undeniably Ritchie, but with just the right amount of focus, tact and accessibility to make even the most fervent of Ritchie-deniers leave the theater feeling satisfied. As shocked as I am to say this, I have to admit - I honestly think this is my favorite of the "proper" Guy Ritchie gangster flicks.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

RalfbergsFeb 4, 2020

Great movie, one of my favorite directors and finally he got to make as good as movie as Snatch and Lock Stock and 2 smoking barrels. If you were fan of those, you will love this. One of the best movies in last years for me - had action,Great movie, one of my favorite directors and finally he got to make as good as movie as Snatch and Lock Stock and 2 smoking barrels. If you were fan of those, you will love this. One of the best movies in last years for me - had action, funny jokes, sillyness but in a good way, interesting plot and great actors… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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7

MattBrady99Feb 3, 2020

“You really can't unsee it once you've seen it.” Guy Ritchie returns to his gangster roots in the underbelly of jolly good England. It’s crazy to think that this is the same guy who brought us last years ‘Aladdin.’ But this time Ritchie isn’t“You really can't unsee it once you've seen it.” Guy Ritchie returns to his gangster roots in the underbelly of jolly good England. It’s crazy to think that this is the same guy who brought us last years ‘Aladdin.’ But this time Ritchie isn’t on a leash.

I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy ‘The Gentleman’ as much as I did. A little muddle and sometimes confusing to follow, but the movie has a certain sharpness to it that kept me interested throughout. It’s more in vein with ‘Lock Shock’ and ‘Snatch’. Ritchie has made a successful career being influenced by the work of Quentin Tarantino, hence his given title “British Tarantino”. The cast are all having an absolute blast with the material and I can tell everyone wants to be there. Hugh Grant is my personal favorite out of the cast and it’s great to see his enthusiasm in acting again. He plays Fletcher, a gay detective who documents the events in the story into a screenplay he’s writing, so in a way it’s told from his perspective. While debatable if everything in the movie was made up or not, cause “every movie needs a bit of action”. The thing I love about Grants performance is that he isn’t playing "typical Hugh Grant", but an actual character. Although I thought the running gag of him being openly gay and constantly makes flirty hints towards other male characters got old and awkward after awhile. A joke that out stay’s it’s welcome...kinda like Fletcher.

I’m not a big fan of Charlie Hunnam as an actor, as I usually find him bland in everything I’ve seen him so far. However I thought Hunnam delivered a solid performance in this movie and might be his best. He plays Ray, Mickey’s (McConaughey) right hand man who is professional when it comes to business despite the countless idiots in his path. Imagine Russell Bufalino from ‘The Irishman’, but more physical and incredibly British. His comedic timing was pretty good as well that maybe if you give him the right material and character, he’s a better actor than I thought.

Colin Farrell was terrific as Coach and my second favorite out of the cast. He’s ridiculously cool and shows who’s boss, but also display’s some comedic chops. Matthew McConaughey was chilled as Mickey, who is the weed Lord of England that likes things in green, which is money and marijuana. Out of all the colorful characters in the movie, I thought Mickey was the least interesting if I have to be honest. Either because of McConaughey's chilled nature or the less exciting material given to his character. The style and overall tone of the movie made the whole experience so fun to watch. Everything about the movie is quick. The dialogue is snappy and there’s plenty of clever banter between characters. It’s incredibly clear that Guy Richie loves cinema whenever he’s not held back like some of his previous projects and gets to freely express his passion behind the craft. The humor and jokes ain't for the faint of heart, but luckily I’m not that soft. Some of jokes didn’t quite land the mark and often times left me puzzled in terms of waiting for the punchline. Overall rating: A disjointed, but entertaining movie. Misleading title though. There’s plenty of man, but not so much on gentle.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

bfoore90Feb 2, 2020

Some call this a "return to form" for Guy Richie. To me this just represents another good movie from Richie although while he has gotten away from "Gangster movies" since Snatch, The Gentlemen is clever, funny, violent and vulgar in all theSome call this a "return to form" for Guy Richie. To me this just represents another good movie from Richie although while he has gotten away from "Gangster movies" since Snatch, The Gentlemen is clever, funny, violent and vulgar in all the right ways.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

Corey1234Jan 31, 2020

Guy Ritchie has outdone himself yet again!
I've watched this movie three times already and it gets better everytime .

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

AnthonycappozzoFeb 2, 2020

Fantastic movie! If you love Lock Stock, and Snatch, you will love this. Guy Ritchie kills it once again. It's funny, it keeps you guessing, and of course the acting is top tier! Outstanding direction. Even if your not into a Guy RitchieFantastic movie! If you love Lock Stock, and Snatch, you will love this. Guy Ritchie kills it once again. It's funny, it keeps you guessing, and of course the acting is top tier! Outstanding direction. Even if your not into a Guy Ritchie film, it's still quality in so many ways!… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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8

AnastasyahFeb 2, 2020

Typical Guy Ritchie movie. Love it! A couple things were unfinished, for example who was that uncle of Dry Eye or why exactly that pistol was presented but I definitely was enjoying the movie.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

IainOfTorontoFeb 1, 2020

Hugh Grant's and Michelle Dockery's roles outstanding.

Great plot and very good screenplay and 'narration' of the story within the story.

Not bad for Guy Ritchie ... good value for the EIGHT BUCKS cinema entry fee.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

jasharkowalskiJan 31, 2020

Guy is back in what Guy does the best - **** pigs, Russians, blood and humor, pure fun, must see !

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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7

JJPJan 30, 2020

I honestly don't know how this movie gets a yellow, maybe it was the cruder elements of the script. However, this was a SUPER enjoyable movie. Not boring whatsoever, and containing interesting plot twists. Don't let the middling criticI honestly don't know how this movie gets a yellow, maybe it was the cruder elements of the script. However, this was a SUPER enjoyable movie. Not boring whatsoever, and containing interesting plot twists. Don't let the middling critic reviews fool you, this is a really fun movie.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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8

fiftywordreviewJan 30, 2020

The plot often comes off as thinking its more clever than it actually is, but the fantastic characters and consistent laughs do more than enough to make up for it. Perfectly cast and well directed, the Gentlemen is an entertaining return toThe plot often comes off as thinking its more clever than it actually is, but the fantastic characters and consistent laughs do more than enough to make up for it. Perfectly cast and well directed, the Gentlemen is an entertaining return to form for Guy Ritchie.… Expand

7 of 9 users found this helpful72

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8

JazbotJan 29, 2020

Не лучший фильм, но и не худший. Можно посмотреть при свободном времени....

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

Farside22Jan 29, 2020

Guy Ritchie makes wacky fun movies and the GENTLEMAN is another in the great movie making FUN that Ritchie produces!
I loved it and was surprised a number of times by the great way Ritchie gives and takes info into scenes!
The Actors wereGuy Ritchie makes wacky fun movies and the GENTLEMAN is another in the great movie making FUN that Ritchie produces!
I loved it and was surprised a number of times by the great way Ritchie gives and takes info into scenes!

The Actors were all GREAT
The ACTORS are all FANTASTIC!… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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4

GinaKJan 28, 2020

An organized crime comedy with many well-known actors, some clever dialogue, and a few surprises, but with a plot that often limped along noticeably. Not a lot of wit and originality but satisfying enough for a January movie when the weatherAn organized crime comedy with many well-known actors, some clever dialogue, and a few surprises, but with a plot that often limped along noticeably. Not a lot of wit and originality but satisfying enough for a January movie when the weather is gloomy and the holidays are over. I don’t mean this as sarcastically as it sounds, but you can do a lot worse in January if you’ve seen all the films nominated for various awards.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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2

GreatMartinJan 28, 2020

Within one movie I broke my 2 and only New Year's resolutions: 1) I will not go to a movie just for the sake of going to a movie especially if I know I won't like it and 2) I will walk out of a movie that I don't like! Yes, I like MathewWithin one movie I broke my 2 and only New Year's resolutions: 1) I will not go to a movie just for the sake of going to a movie especially if I know I won't like it and 2) I will walk out of a movie that I don't like! Yes, I like Mathew McConaughey, Hugh Grant, Charlie Hunnam, Colin Farrell, Jeremy Strong and since "Crazy Rich Asians" Henry Golding but nothing could save this movie.

At first, it was interesting seeing Grant playing against type but 15 minutes in his heavy put on English accent (Yes, I know he is English but never like this) so I was glad he was working with/against Charlie Hunnam but that wasn't enough.

I am not a fan of Guy Ritchie and believe I have seen only one of his movies but his having directed, produced and written the screenplay for this movie I have no desire to see them or anymore by him. This is an old type gangster movie with a few twists and turns, a lot of violence, racial comments against Asians, throw in some anti-Semitism along with homophobic darts not to forget the f, the many c words plus pig porn and blood and more blood and then some more blood!

The theatre was full and a few people laughed at some of the lines but I broke my 2 and only New Year's resolutions!… Expand

3 of 19 users found this helpful316

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9

JohnrieberJan 28, 2020

"The Gentlemen" is a terrifically entertaining film - all of the acting is perfect, the script is sharp and wickedly funny like "Snatch" before it...and there are strong echoes of the classic British gangster film "The Long Good Friday.""The Gentlemen" is a terrifically entertaining film - all of the acting is perfect, the script is sharp and wickedly funny like "Snatch" before it...and there are strong echoes of the classic British gangster film "The Long Good Friday." Great stuff!… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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8

Stream2BigScreeJan 28, 2020

The Stream: The storytelling gets old and in a way is distracting to the movie.

The Big Screen: The cast, writing, and comedy are great. The Final Bill: Guy Ritchie put together a very good script and cast that surely will entertain you forThe Stream: The storytelling gets old and in a way is distracting to the movie.

The Big Screen: The cast, writing, and comedy are great.

The Final Bill: Guy Ritchie put together a very good script and cast that surely will entertain you for almost two hours.

-S2S: Movie Review… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

CharlieSGJan 28, 2020

I found this to be thoroughly entertaining and the acting was strong. A good story line that took a little time to get straight on - who was up to what - but overall a very much enjoyed 2 hours.

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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8

MaxPayneIsGodJan 27, 2020

A slick, stylish, snappy return to form for Guy Ritchie.
The ensemble cast fires on all cylinders with stand out performances by Hunnam and Farrell.
If you like Ritchie's earlier and grittier work, you'll like this

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

OlympianLadyJan 27, 2020

Now, this wasn't an artistically great movie, but I would consider it to be a rather enjoyable one. Matthew McConaughey was highly convincing in the part, with a brilliant supporting cast that is really able to sell their roles and theNow, this wasn't an artistically great movie, but I would consider it to be a rather enjoyable one. Matthew McConaughey was highly convincing in the part, with a brilliant supporting cast that is really able to sell their roles and the accompanying banter. I would say that it's definitely not for everyone - it is something of a gangster movie - but still amounts to something like a crime comedy, which Guy Ritchie is naturally good at. It isn't something that absolutely needs to be seen immediately in the theater, for sure, but it definitely is one to catch at some point for people into movies.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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7

mrc_brnJan 27, 2020

Thoroughly enjoyable gangster flick with great dialogues, wacky characters, surprising and often funny plot twists and a creative and dynamic story telling. A bit uneven perhaps, some scenes absolutely hilarious, but also a few tedious ones.Thoroughly enjoyable gangster flick with great dialogues, wacky characters, surprising and often funny plot twists and a creative and dynamic story telling. A bit uneven perhaps, some scenes absolutely hilarious, but also a few tedious ones. Biggest knock for me was that I didn't care for the main character (McConnaughey) as I did for the fringe ones. Collin Farrell and his 'crew' and Hugh Grant in particular stole every scene they were in. Very worth while watch.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

maximo101Jan 26, 2020

An enjoyable movie with the same gangster humor as Snatch & Lock Stock 2 smoking barrels. Might not quite be as good as those but definitely hits a lot of beats.

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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10

Moviesquirrel9Jan 26, 2020

Love this movie! Hugh Grant, Colin Ferrel, Charlie Hunnam are all hysterical. (Listen closely to cockney patter. ). Matthew McCoughney is fantastic as is Michele Dockery!

16 of 20 users found this helpful164

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2

MferrisJan 26, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I didn’t realize how sick I have become of Matthew McConaughey. The movie was boring. McConaughey’s character revealed a familiar smarter than anyone else in the room trait, that he tends to gravitate toward, in his roles. I have to admit, that I was disappointed, when the character he portrayed, wasn’t killed during the attempt on his life, at the start of the movie. Hugh Grant must be really struggling to have accepted that role in that movie, my has his career taken a nose drive. I would rate this only slightly better than “Beach Bum” another recent Movie he released.… Expand

4 of 21 users found this helpful417

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6

moviemitch96Jan 26, 2020

I'd only consider myself a casual Guy Ritchie fan, having enjoyed some of his previous British crime films, such as 'Snatch' and 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' just fine. The cast and premise of this film were enough to intrigue me toI'd only consider myself a casual Guy Ritchie fan, having enjoyed some of his previous British crime films, such as 'Snatch' and 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' just fine. The cast and premise of this film were enough to intrigue me to give this latest outing of his a go. Matthew McConaughey plays an American-born drug lord residing in England, who plans to retire and sell off his business. However, it doesn't go so simply, as he's marked for death by many hitmen and criminals who want in on his fortune and position of power, which in turn, involves various other criminals throughout England. The cast is easily the best thing about this film! McConaughey gives an always reliably charismatic lead performance, along with some rather humorous supporting turns from Charlie Hunnam, Colin Farrell, and Hugh Grant to name a few. The action and fights are quite fun to watch, and there are some funny moments to be had. However, story-wise, it came up a bit short for me. Things get a little overly convoluted and the movie dragged itself out a little longer than I would've liked. The film took its time with a couple plot points longer than necessary too in my eyes. Overall, it's a welcome return to form for Guy Ritchie, as he's mainly been focusing on big budget fare like 'King Arthur' and the live-action 'Aladdin' as of late, and there's some funny lines and moments throughout, but the story's a little too convoluted and dragged out for its own good that it didn't quite justify the handful of moments I did enjoy. I anticipate those who are bigger fans of Ritchie's British crime films will enjoy it a little more than I did.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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10

606BGJan 25, 2020

Casting, plot twists, humor are superb! I'm surprised by some of the critic ratings, but I'm not a "industry" critic. Just like what I like. Go see it -- you'll have fun!

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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10

ziggygelman5Jan 25, 2020

Great movie!!! Best of Guy Ritchie since snatch. Lots of fun, great snappy dialogue, and incredible cast.

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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8

Davrosdaleks1Jan 25, 2020

In The Gentlemen, Mickey Pearce (Matthew McConaughey), the head of a large British marijuana ring, is planning to retire and sell off his business. However, things go awry when his empire is threatened. This was a fun film.

This is directedIn The Gentlemen, Mickey Pearce (Matthew McConaughey), the head of a large British marijuana ring, is planning to retire and sell off his business. However, things go awry when his empire is threatened. This was a fun film.

This is directed and written by Guy Ritchie, and like his Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and, I believe, some of his other crime films (I haven't seen the rest) it relies on a lot of characters and twists-and-turns. What results is a good helping interesting moving parts, dialogue, and performances from great actors.

The script isn't quite as tight as LS&TSB. The movie could've been a bit shorter. The character of a tabloid editor played by Eddie Marsan could've been cut without effecting anything. I also felt the last scene missed a bit of a punch.

The previous criticisms are more nitpicks than major issues. Overall, this movie is a good time and I recommend it. It's not something you need to see immediately but should be given a shot.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

JagWarrJan 25, 2020

Another movie that goes against the demonic control freaks that are the “progressive” left. Because of a little racism, they hit the movie with bad reviews. Because god forbid a little REALISTIC humour that actually does exist in the realAnother movie that goes against the demonic control freaks that are the “progressive” left. Because of a little racism, they hit the movie with bad reviews. Because god forbid a little REALISTIC humour that actually does exist in the real world. Because god forbid the men out number the women in the movie just like in the REAL world of crime. The left live in their little world of social media and want to make you believe that is how the real world should be like. But i continue to drink their delicious soyboy tears. Guy Ritchie is back. The demonic hollywood can kick rocks. This movie is a gem. 4 more years.… Expand

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

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7

TVJerryJan 25, 2020

Matthew McConaughey heads this mostly-British cast as an American in London, who runs a very profitable marijuana empire. When he decides to sell it, all manner of schemes comprise the twisty plot. Given that the director is Guy Ritchie,Matthew McConaughey heads this mostly-British cast as an American in London, who runs a very profitable marijuana empire. When he decides to sell it, all manner of schemes comprise the twisty plot. Given that the director is Guy Ritchie, whose career started with this kind of brash, violent, streetwise scenario, it's interesting to see him back at it. Albeit, a bit more restrained in the pacing and violence. There's still plenty of fun in some of the characterizations (esp. Hugh Grant) and some moments of cinematic snazz. Even though Ritchie has certainly mellowed a bit, he hasn't lost his ability to craft an enjoyable, offbeat caper.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

FranzHcriticJan 24, 2020

The critics have been swing and miss a lot this season. But Guy Ritchie is a filmmaker that they've developed a pattern for striking out on his genius. As the arguable Tarantino of Britain, Ritchie uses dialogue and a clever, interwovenThe critics have been swing and miss a lot this season. But Guy Ritchie is a filmmaker that they've developed a pattern for striking out on his genius. As the arguable Tarantino of Britain, Ritchie uses dialogue and a clever, interwoven storyline to keep the audience ensnared, laughing, and sometimes shocked at the right moment. I never thought any man could make me tolerate Hugh Grant for as much screen time as he had, but Ritchie just became that man. 'The Gentlemen' is crass, hysterical and genius. And pity the critics who got their credentials driven too far up their a** to recognize that.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

Bertaut1Jan 24, 2020

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

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

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). And yes, 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 only female character barely even manages to rise to the level of tokenism, and Ritchie does absolutely nothing new here, 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 works well for the most part. The plot is as derivative as it gets, but Ritchie has injected real verve into it. The Gentlemen 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), an Oxford-educated American ex-pat who controls a huge marijuana empire in London. Several months prior, Fletcher was hired by tabloid editor Big Dave (Eddie Marsen) to dig up dirt on Pearson, and Fletcher has written a screenplay based on his investigation, telling Ray that unless Pearson pays him £20 million, he will hand over everything he has to Dave. Meanwhile, Pearson has decided to sell his whole operation, but when word gets out, all hell breaks loose, as the various interested parties vie for advantage. Most of the subsequent film takes the form of Fletcher narrating his exploits to Ray, explaining how he learned so much about Pearson and what he does.

Aesthetically, The Gentlemen is very much in the mould of Ritchie's previous gangster movies. Because Fletcher frames his narration as a screenplay, it allows Ritchie to employ a multitude of self-reflexive devices – a smash cut coinciding with Fletcher asking Ray to visualise a smash cut; on-screen captions telling us who's who; animated maps; freeze-frames; rewinds; a shot of film running through a projector etc. At one point, Fletcher is discussing the merits of anamorphic over 1.78:1, and the film's aspect ratio changes accordingly. At another, he's arguing for the merits of 35mm celluloid over digital, and the film duly switches formats. Such playfulness means that it never for a second takes itself too seriously, and it remains immensely fun, with the more you know about the mechanics of assembling a film, the more humorously self-reflexive the film becomes – Fletcher even acknowledges his own role as an unreliable narrator.

In terms of themes, the most obvious is the idea that the economic divide between gangsters and aristocrats masks their practical similarities. The smooth running of Pearson's business depends on both classes – the aristocrats who he needs to grow his product and the gangsters who distribute that product. The clash between the pompous insularity of the English upper class and the perceived uncouthness of the lower class has been done to death in both literature (Wuthering Heights (1847) springs to mind) and film (Performance, for example), and although Ritchie doesn't say anything even remotely new about it, it still forms an interesting textural background – gentrification is ever-present; there are ironic references to the posh areas of Croydon; Ray, a working-class Newcastle native, is a cleanliness freak who eats wagyu steak and lives in a mansion, and when he's dispatched on a mission to an uncivilised working-class area, he explains he "just hates them junkies," seeing them as very much his social inferiors.

One of the most central scenes sees Ray and his mn clash with a gang of machete-wielding thugs on a council estate, and there's a real sense of old vs. new – traditional gangsters fighting it out with internet-savvy hoodlums who don't give a damn about tradition or respect. There are a lot of laughs to be had with these issues, such as Ray and Coach (a scene-stealing Colin Farrell) having problems pronouncing the name Phuc. And again, none of this is presented as even remotely serious.

The biggest problems with the film are probably its lack of depth, and the familiarity of the presentation, characters, and milieu – there's nothing here you haven't seen in previous Ritchie films. And as you would expect, there isn't much in the way of emotional maturity or narrative complexity. It's all very surface-level, and it makes no apologies for such.

Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed The Gentlemen. It's a funny as hell caper and the actors are clearly having terrific fun. It might be formulaic and overly familiar, but it's also immensely enjoyable.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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8

foxgroveJan 24, 2020

Not a film for everyone and definitely not one for your nan. But, boy oh boy, what fun this is. Guy Ritchie directs with his tongue firmly in his cheek an absolutely entertaining gangster opus that is a joy from beginning to end. The scriptNot a film for everyone and definitely not one for your nan. But, boy oh boy, what fun this is. Guy Ritchie directs with his tongue firmly in his cheek an absolutely entertaining gangster opus that is a joy from beginning to end. The script is surprisingly witty and intelligent despite the plethora of four letter words and the players are sublime. Who knew that Hugh Grant could be this good. He steals the acting honours in a role that I could never have imagined him doing. Treat yourself to a real and unpretentious comedy.… Expand

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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9

woody1701Jan 24, 2020

Guy Richie is back, great movie. Matthew Mcconaughey is perfect for this role.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

GEFFUNDEIJan 24, 2020

REALLY good British film. Guy Richie’s ideas are really amazing! I think it is a very good film.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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The Gentlemen

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