Snatch - Two Disc Set [2000]

Moreover, no one can complain about the amount of extras featured on this DVD that includes 15 minutes of deleted scenes, a making-of documentary, trailer, storyboards, production notes and commentary from Ritchie himself. And, sure, people who really, really liked Lock, Stock--or have the memory of a goldfish--will really, really like this. The suspicion lingers, however, that if the director doesn't do something very different next time around then his career may prove to be considerably shorter than that of 'er indoors. --Clark Collis

Snatch starts with some jocular credits, and the robbery of an Antwerp diamond merchant's office by four thieves disguised as Hasidic Jews. Initially appear in black and white on a succession of CCTV screens, then when they reach their target, they're in colour as they grab the guns concealed on the chest of their leader. Seizing an 86-carat, size of your fist, diamond the robbers head to London to sell the stone and of course this is where the fun starts as all types of cockney and foreign misfits then become involved in the theft and counter-theft and attempted sale of said diamond.

Among the colourful array of characters on parade this time are jewish jewellers (Mike Reid and Dennis Farina), cockney hardman Bullet Tooth Tony (Vinnie Jones), a truly disgusting underground fight promoter by the unlikely name of Brick Top (Alan Ford), a Russian hitman - Boris the blade (Rade Serbedzija), a fight manager - Turkish (Jason Statham), and Irish traveller Mickey O'Neill (Brad Pitt). Ultimately the surprisingly excellent Brad Pitt steals the movie as the boxing 'yardy' nobody can understand but veteran British actor Alan Ford as the disgusting 'Brick Top' runs him close for best performance kudos.

Like its predecessor Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch is full of twists and turns and plenty of black humour but unlike its predecessor it's a bit more violent and the language is even stronger. It will probably still be unfairly compared to Tarantino but its still a clever and fun movie. My only criticism of Guy Ritchie would be that he needs to learn that less is sometimes more; the movie doesn't need as many twists and it doesn't need so many alternative showy camera angles and film styles. Don't get me wrong, they're good, just a couple too many. This is a four star movie that could have been five.

Pretty much the whole world knows Guy Ritchie's name now. Sadly most people rather insultingly and condescendingly know him as Mr Madonna but just like her first husband cruelly christened Mr Madonna, Sean Penn, Guy Ritchie is a great talent in his own right. However, the acid test of Guy Ritchie's talent will come with his next movie starring 'er indoors (as they say in cockney vernacular), the so far allergic to anything resembling believable acting Madonna. If he can get a decent performance out of Mrs Ritchie he truly will be hailed as a genius.


Snatch isn't as good as LS&2SB, but it comes pretty close!   December 20, 2000
10 out of 12 found this review helpful

After Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, expectations of Guy Ritchie were high, very high. People didn't think that he would be able to deliver a suitable follow up to his debut, but he has, and while Snatch isn't really as good, it comes pretty damn close! Turkish, a small time illegal boxing promoter who works along with his sidekick Tommy, narrates the film. The pair comes across Mickey O'Neil, played here fantastically by Brad Pitt. Unfortunately for Turkish, he's particularly good at boxing, succeeding in knocking out his prizefighter over a dispute over a caravan (!). As a result, Mickey is asked to fight against East End gangster Brick Top's bare fist fighters, but when Mickey is told to go down in the fourth round, he doesn't and again knocks out his opponent, throwing himself along with Turkish and Tommy into a whole load of trouble. One of the films best attributes are it's actors, with a combination of both film and television actors, such as Mike Reid from Eastenders. Vinnie Jones again steals the show, as Bullet Tooth Tony, but as with Lock Stock, we really don't see or hear enough of him. If you liked Lock Stock, or enjoy a film that's extremely fun and want to experience an exciting couple of hours, then you should go and see this film.


Lock, Stock... but Bigger and Better   August 22, 2002
Mr. A. K. Piggott (Essex)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

Guy Ritchie strikes again with another cockney crime caper with a hilariously twisted plot, very much in the same vein as the fantastic Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels. The main difference here is that everything is bigger, better and faster; the budget, the stars, the locations, the editing, the endlessly quotable dialogue and the music. The ball starts rolling when Franky Four Fingers (Benico Del Toro) steals a huge priceless diamond from Antwerp and brings it to London on route to New York. Cue murder, betrayl, mayhem, strong language, thievery and a dog that'll eat just about anything. Endlessly watchable and entertaining. The best British film in years. Where else are you going to see Brad Pitt and Frank Butcher in the same feature?

The DVD is a corker too. Boasting many fantastic features including a commentary, deleted scenes, a documentary, interviews, trailers, TV spots, storyboard comparrisons, photo library and some absolutely hilarious hidden features.


A belly aching cracker that is not to be missed!   January 14, 2001
9 out of 11 found this review helpful

snatch (as most of you know) is the sequel to the amazing lock stock and two smoking barrels, It is the only film to my knowledge that clearly is superior to it's prequel. The film is a must see for all fans of lock, stock. Guy ritchie returns with his unique, energetic direction, and brad pitt, who plays a money-grabbing pikey with great enthusiasm. Equally brilliant performances come from Vinnie jones, the triple-hard, huge bloke and jason statham, the ever-pesimistic, hard working character, upon who the film is based on. Snatch is definatly a must see for any fan of the prequel or the successful "fight club." My advice for the very few people who are reading this review is to buy it now!


"...A Blindin' British Film..."   June 13, 2001
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Snatch is a perfectly designed and constructed film from the one and only, Guy Ritchie. Even though many of the characters from "Lock Stock.." were used, (which to me didn't seem such a good idea) a new range of stars such as David Farina and Brad Pitt, not forgetting a more substantial role for Alan Ford, have complemented the film thanks to their acting abilities. I do not feel, however, that they were used just, what Guy Ritchie said, "to put bums on seats". As DVD have numerous special features which let you take a closer look into the minds of the crew and the actors, the movie doesn't just feel like a movie, but an experience and I have to say that this is the first film that I have watched all of the "Makings of.." and "interviews". Many observant people would have noticed that "Snatch" has been rated an 18 and this is for 2 reasons: the violence and the harsh swearing. But the prblem is that there is too much repetition of the same word which, after a while turns into just that, a word, not a curse. Overall, "Snatch" is one of the best movies that have come from the British film industry. Well done Guy Ritchie!!!!