With Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows hitting the big screen just in time for Christmas, this week we’re focusing on the best movies that showcase director Guy Ritchie’s phenomenal talent. So if you’re stuck for ideas over the festive period why not try out one of the following?
Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels
Undoubtedly the film which put Ritchie on the map and earned him the love and devotion of film fans all over the world, Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels did for the director what Reservoir Dogs did for Quentin Tarantino. Shattering expectations and challenging genres, the film stars Jason Statham, Vinnie Jones and Dexter Fletcher and centres on four working class lads who pool their money for a high stakes poker game. But when things don’t go to plan, they are left owing half a million pounds to a London gangster with only one week to come up with the cash. Extras include BD-Live functionality, an interactive news ticker, a satisfying behind-the-scenes featurette called One Smoking Camera and interviews with the cast and crew including extensive commentary from Ritchie himself.
Sherlock Holmes
Starring Robert Downey Jr. as the eccentric inspector Holmes and Jude Law as his trusty accomplice, Ritchie’s first outing with the Baker Street sleuth is cinematic fun at its finest. Combining his trademark shooting style with action packed stunts, Ritchie’s film follows Holmes as he engages in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England. Special features include Maximum Movie Mode functionality led by Ritchie who examines the concept art and behind-the-scenes footage. Viewers can also feast their eyes on featurettes such as Drawbridges and Dollies which details efforts to recreate a Victorian London alongside a look at costumes, stunts and casting.
RocknRolla
Dramatic crime thriller RocknRolla stars Gerard Butler, Tom Hardy and Idris Elba. When a Russian mobster orchestrates a crooked deal, big money is up for grabs and London’s criminal underworld wants a piece of the action. From petty thieves to a cunning accountant, everyone is willing to lie, cheat and steal in order to get rich quick. Bonus content includes commentaries from Ritchie and the stars of the movie, deleted scenes and featurettes Blokes, Birds and Backhanders: Inside Rock-n-Rolla and Guy’s Town.
So what do you think of our choices? Hit the comments to tell us what movies you’ll be watching over Christmas or tell us about what you’ll be looking forward to catching on the big screen next year!
