Movie Review: The Gentlemen (2019)

Genre: Action Comedy  

Director: Guy Ritchie  

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Hugh Grant, Colin Farrell, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Marsan  

Running Time: 113 minutes  

Synopsis: In England, reporter Fletcher (Hugh Grant) tries to blackmail Raymond (Charlie Hunnam), the second-in-command to crime boss Michael Pearson (Matthew McConaughey). Flashbacks reveal Fletcher's investigations on behalf of his editor Big Dave (Eddie Marsan). Michael rose from humble beginnings to control the illegal marijuana trade in England. Seeking to retire, he negotiates the sale of his empire to fellow gang boss Matthew (Jeremy Strong). Then another gang represented by Dry Eye (Henry Golding) makes an unsolicited offer, followed by a break-in at a secret cultivation facility by the acrobatic gang of Coach (Colin Farrell). As the level of violence increases, Michael has to sort out friend from foe.

What Works Well: This bright and breezy crime comedy buzzes with the energy of a witty and mazy script (by director Guy Ritchie). A multitude of enjoyable twists and turns are packed into less than two hours, the brisk pacing rewarding attention with non-stop enjoyment. All the performances add to the eclectic milieu of bad guys believing they are much brighter than they are, with Hugh Grant particularly memorable as the eloquent newsman well out of his depth but nevertheless taking a wild swing at riches. The short and sharp action scenes arrive at pleasingly regular intervals, and often carry spiky levels of humour. 

What Does Not Work As Well: As usual and expected when Ritchie splashes around in this genre pool, the action is bursting at the seams with a difficult-to-keep-track-of number of characters making noise aplenty, and inconsequential - although always entertaining - side quests.

Key Quote:

Michael Pearson: If you wish to be the king of the jungle, it's not enough to act like a king. You must be the king. And there can be no doubt. Because doubt causes chaos and one's own demise.

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