Layer Cake Movie Review: By Paul Heath

Layer Cake is the latest film in a long list of British gangster films released in the shadow of the success of 1998's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrel's and director Guy Ritchie's follow up Snatch. Most that followed in the same genre sucked, all pretty much carbon copies of the two aforementioned movies. This film has the advantage that it is directed by the producer of Lock Stock and Snatch, Matthew Vaughn, the lucky bugger that is also married to supermodel Claudia Schiffer. But that fact is pretty much where the similarities end. Well, almost...

The story revolves around an unnamed drug dealer played by Daniel Craig who is wanting to distance himself from his game and 'retire'. But his Mafia boss has other ideas and gives him one last assignment, to locate his friend's, fellow bad ass gangster Edward (Michael Gambon), daughter who has apparently run off with a junkie. All this is complicated further by £2 million worth of ecstasy pills, rival gangs, hitmen, double crossings and a bright yellow Range Rover.

The look of Layer Cake has more similarities with films like the original Get Carter, or The Long Good Friday than the cartoon comedy that featured in Vaughn's previous producing efforts.

Big things were expected from Matthew Vaughn in his directorial debut. After all, he was always going to be compared to Guy Ritchie not matter the subject matter of his first film. It has to be noted that Ritchie was in line to direct this, before jumping ship shortly into pre-production. His reasoning was to go off to make another gangster/crime film, Revolver, but you have to ask yourself, is it the similar plot structure to Lock, Stock that unravels as the film progresses that warned him off? You could see similarities in the script. Take the unflinching attack dished out by in the cafe (all set to the musical talents of Duran Duran with Ordinary World -- perhaps the most difficult, but inventive piece cinema seen this year). You could compare that to the hidings dished out so superbly by Vinnie Jones in Lock, Stock and Snatch. You could compare them, but then again you could compare Layer Cake to many different films as it borrows from so many. It is more of a crime thriller than a gangster film and 100 percent more gritty any of Vaughn's producing fares. That's not to say that Layer Cake failed to deliver any comedic moments. I found myself to be laughing out loud on more than one occasion.

The main asset to Layer Cake is its cast. Daniel Craig, seen in Sylvia, Tomb Raider and the soon to be released Enduring Love is absolutely amazing in the lead role. He's charming, elegant and gentlemanly as the drug dealer wanting to get out of the drug game. An actor to definitely look out for in the coming years. The supporting cast also shine particularly Colm Meaney who scared the absolute crap out of me. You'll catch glimpses of Lock, Stock's Dexter Fletcher and Jason Flemying in the film also. Jude Law's current missus Sienna Miller also shows up as the sultry Tammy.

As a debut it's a worthy fare for Matthew Vaughn, and although the film had some excellent stand out moments, it failed to grip me and in places just completely lost me. I think Mr. Vaughn tried just a little too hard, but he shows early promise and is one to keep an eye on as his talent progresses through future projects. Layer Cake is one gritty, violent movie in the tradition of superior 80's British gangster flicks that is entertaining to watch but fails as it approaches it predictable and somewhat silly finale.

Grade: C+

Paul Heath