Layer Cake [DVD]

The trailers to Layer Cake left me with mixed feelings. Usually when a trailer needs to draw reference to 'one's we made earlier' (in this case Lock, Stock, and Snatch) when the writer or director of said films has nothing to do with the project, the end result is a poor copycat. After watching the film, I am more than impressed!Layer Cake introduces us (once more) to the world of the cockney gangsters, and the dealing of drugs. The medication of choice this time is Ecstacy, and the set up involves an up-and-coming name in the dealing trade being thrown a job by one of the big names. Sent to find a missing girl, and also buy and sell on a large shipment, it all seems like easy work. However, as he soon finds, things are not always as they seem, and before long his life is at risk when the deal begins to go sour.For the first 20 minutes of the film I couldn't decide whether it was going to be a Lock, Stock, or Honest (the dreadful All Saints film). The film uses the obligatory 'catchy' tunes from the past 2 decades, and uses the same type of framing of scenes as the genre. For the first 20 minutes, whilst we were introduced rapidly to the characters in the tale, it was hard to discern where the plot was going, and even harder to care much about the players. By the half way point I was engrossed! The plot twists and turns at various points throughout, and you do begin to care about the lead character and the associates around him.The film oozes cockney cool, and although not quite on par with the best of the genre, it is still a worthy, and very engrossing, offering from director Matthew Vaughn. Stylishly shot, with a great soundtrack, this is one of those films that blokes will walk out of very pleased, but their partners may not feel the same way. Whilst not really violent or sexist in nature, this is a lads film through and through, and it is one cake that I want another slice of.

One of my favourite films, and watch it from time to time, if the rest of prime films were as god as this film I would be extremely happy, but most films I watch do not even come close to layer cake

I rather liked this 2004 British ganster film, even if it is not really a masterpiece. Below, more of my impressions, with some limited SPOILERS.This is the story of an Unnamed Man (Daniel Craig) who is a succesful drug dealer, working with two trusted associates, Gene (Colm Meaney) and Morty (George Harris). Having made enough money Unnamed Man plans to retire from the drug dealing business for good. His plans are however contradicted by his dangerous business partner and main cocaine supplier Jimmy Price (Kenneth Cranham), who wants him to do something unusual - and saying "no" to Jimmy Price comes usually with such a high price that it is not really an option... In the same time, an unstable moronic gangster named Duke (Jamie Foreman) and his even more unstable and moronic girlfriend/partner in crime Slasher (Sally Hawkins) contact Price with an offer to sell one million ecstasy tablets - and the Unnamed Man is charged to deal with this thing too... I will say no more about the story.This film was clearly influenced by the great success of earlier Guy Ritchie's films "Lock, stock and two smoking barrels" and "Snatch", but it is somehow more serious, more realistic and darker, even if there is still some humour and some really over-the-top-and-out-there characters, like Duke, Slasher, Lucky the Hitman (Paul Orchard) and especially Dragan (Dragan Micanovic), The Horrible Incredible Invisible Invincible Serbian Hitman...))) There is of course a lot of double-crossing, triple-crossing and according to my calculations in one case there is even a tetra crossing...))) Language is strong, action pace is good, dead bodies drop at regular basis and of course there is an attractive gangster moll, a hot vixen named Tammy (Sienna Miller), adept of temptation by phone...I usually don't like Daniel Craig very much (I refuse to consider his Bond films as being real Bond films and can't wait to see him replaced...) but in this film he does very well and the character he plays is well thought and well done. The accumulation of plots is similar to the technique used in Guy Ritchie's films and is well kept under control, with most of things being solved towards the end. I must however warn you, that the ending is a cliffhanger - and for my personal taste, when such thing doesn't lead to a second part, it is a rather a poor idea.Bottom line, this is a very honest gangster film, not as funny or good as the two masterpieces cited above but still good enough that for his third gangster film, 2008 "Rockn'rolla", Guy Ritchie actually copied a lot from "Layer cake"... I will keep my DVD for possible another viewing in the future. Enjoy!

Good movie with lots of twists in the plot!

one of the best films I,v ever seen Daniel craig as proved there is life before and when he finishes is bond stint.the film is brilliantly made and the cast well what can you say no one can argue with that.i know it,s all about drugs witch I cant stand .but the way it is portrayed you got to watch.craig in this role plays a drug dealer but is ultimate goal is to get out of the game while he is on top.but things get out of hand for him when he is asked to find a missing girl buy a ruthless drug dealer.from then on it goes down hill for craig as it as upset is plans.when drugs are stolen by some one else and is name is put in the limelight.so he boxes clever to get out of this situation in the end you think he as won but to my surprise it does,nt turn out the way he wanted.brill film must see .you wont be let down .

I came to this film by chance and although I was late in seeing it was none the less a great movie! I thoroughly enjoyed it. The casting was great and Daniel Craig is so very good-so was Sienna Miller, Sally Hawkings, Kenneth Cranham and not forgetting Michael Gambon. D C later went onto play 007 but in Layer Cake he was much better as he was vulnerable but yet commanding. I bought the disc edition and it showed alternate endings- no spoilers but they really were a great bonus.Great film and a worthy purchase

I have just watched this and the story lines are weak. It is like a bowl of spaghetti with lots of strands but none of them are particularly strong or in this case well written.