Snatch (2005, UMD)

Snatch never really sounded too good as a preview. The trailer for it was short, and critics had little to tell about the movie. The film however was not bad at all, there simply wasn t enough hype. So to start this review off, a brief synopsis if you will:

Synopsis

Snatch s plot works in a two path format. First there is the plot about a diamond heist, who wants the diamond and where it ends up and then there s another plot line that revolves around a boxing promoter called Turkish and his partner Tommy. Obviously the two are meant to entwine, but not after an intriguing cast of characters out to snatch and steal the diamond, along with some more innocent spectators that somehow get drawn into the mess. Diamonds seem to create interest, and mutual interests create problems.

Review -

Guy Ritchie pulls off a winner with the movie Snatch. Using his highly stylized, swish-pan, voice-over technique, he pushes for a rather light-hearted, gangster comedy. It s a strange genre, and most may not be prepared for this flick first-hand. You cannot take Guy Ritchie seriously. This film presents itself from the start almost in a serious fashion, until you hear the dialogue and realize he s pulling a total sham on you.

The introduction runs through the entire cast of gangsters, in a cool sheek manner, and you may get the impression this is going to be some sort of an action/chase movie involving ruthless looking characters. That initial impression is entirely true, save for the fact that the movie while presenting you with excessive mobster violence, will also make you laugh at the same time. So much so that you feel guilty for laughing. That s when you know you re watching Guy Ritchie s work. It s rather odd in fact, since most Godfather fans are rather somber when watching the movie. There are no laugh-out-loud moments in most gangster films. But while Guy Ritchie uses a similar dark cast for this movie, in no way these bumbling, agitated, wacky gangsters are the kind you see in Godfather or Goodfellows.

Some of the gangsters, played by Dennis Farina and Vinnie Jones, both providing top-notch performances in the film, showing all the ways a simple diamond heist can go wrong. They act overly tough, fall victim to just amazing circumstances, and themselves are quite colorful unique characters. With a stunning variety in cast and star talents Brad Pitt and Benicio Del Toro, Snatch simply does not go wrong in its acting.

Say What?

When you watch this movie on the big-screen, odds are you may be a bit freaked out by the actors lines. They all have rather thick-accents of some European descent, not to mention Mickey s lines (played by Brad Pitt), a gypsy who has something not of quite like a British, German, or Turkish accent. Some viewers may be scratching their heads throughout the entire movie. That s why it s perhaps best to rent this film on DVD, so that you can make full use of the subtitles offered, especially for Micky. The lines are quite funny, but sometimes can be so convoluted in their delievery that you may not appreciate the humor unless you are familiar with the country s accent. Subtitles are essential to enjoying this movie.

DVD Extras

In addition to the incredibly useful subtitling option on the DVD version, the DVD also comes complete with special features, such as deleted scenes, commentaries, making of film, and so forth. It s quite a bundle and I myself have not had time to view them all, but I can say the deleted scenes are fun to watch. Some scenes definitely should have remained deleted, but others like Del Toro s desperate escape are rather comedic and perhaps should have stayed. If you are a Guy Ritchie fan, the special edition packaging provides great perspective on his movie process.

Violence/Sex/Profanity Factor

On a side note, Snatch manages to avoid using actresses entirely throughout the whole movie, but somehow Ritchie still sticks in nudity into his film for a brief second, an action which I thought seemed completely random.

Then there s the violence and profanity, which is in abudance. The violence is quite excessive, and many times offsets the lighter mood of this film, which gives it a rather dark humor appeal to it. Not all movie goers can appreciate this film, which is why sometimes while watching it, you have to remind yourself, this is all in good fun. And if you can t do that, well you shouldn t be watching this movie. The profanity is also quite excessive, and does little for the movie, but occasionally adds in a rather odd flavor to the film due to the actors thick accents.

Bottom Line

Own or rent it on DVD for the subtitles, and discover whether or not your are a Guy Ritchie fan. I personally enjoyed this film, and found it humorous and silly, but I do agree with anyone wholeheartedly that the film is somewhat dark at the same time. It s a strong matter of preference, but if you enjoyed Fight Club, Seven and other more dark movies, this is an excellent film to get.