Revolver (Bilingual) [Blu-ray]

If you imagine "Snatch" having been directed by the guy who did "Tree of Life" then you have a good idea of "Revolver". If you don't like movies where it's hard figuring out what exactly is going on this is not the movie for you. On the other hand if you like action movies that aren't simply run-of-the-mill but offer something completely different then you are probably going to enjoy the complexity of this movie.

Although this is eminently watchable, it's all over the place. Go online and you'll find all sorts of ideas trying to explain the plot from it all being a Fight Club-like nightmare occurring solely in Jason Statham's head to a tribute to the kabbalah (after all Ritchie was married to Ms. Kabbalah Madonna back then) as characters names echo various Biblical figures.

Who knows what the story is and ultimately it really doesn't matter. The action is solid, the acting and casting is first-rate and the cinematography works. The problem is even if it's "art," it still has to make some sense even if the narrative is not linear. Otherwise it comes across as pretentious filmmaking.

I just felt it was in major need of a solid edit and tightening up of the script. There is a "great" movie in here but it's not the one that got released.

The extras have a great interview with Guy Ritchie and one of the producers with some fawning Brit journalist that is worth buying the DVD for. Be forewarned, though, this is not shot in the Lock Stock or Snatch vein at all despite some similar filmic techniques.

Guy Ritchie says he got into the film business because he always wanted to direct entertaining movies. And his latest crime thriller "Revolver" is exactly that. It's heavily flawed and utterly ridiculous, but at least it's entertaining. The story, confusing as it is, focuses on Jake Green (Jason Statham), a quick-witted gambler who puts his life on the line when he insults Dorothy Macha (Ray Liotta), a powerful casino owner. After Macha orders his ruthless killers to take him out, Jake seeks shelter with two con men offering to protect him in return for his fortune.

"Revolver" is as chaotic as a massive shoot-out in which it's nearly impossible to figure out who's shooting whom. Ritchie's script is a total, pseudo-philosophical mess, digging deep into the intricacies of the human ego. Ritchie also plays around with certain rules and formulas to pull off the ultimate con, but the whole game concept is ludicrously over the top. Meanwhile, the characters spend most of the time tossing around wise rules instead of delivering a coherent exchange of dialogue. "You can only get smarter by playing a smarter opponent" or "The greatest enemy will hide in the last place you would ever look" are just two of a horde of examples. The film also ends with a major twist, but if you haven't lost track of things or even care enough to stay focused until the end, chances are you won't be surprised.

I initially expected more from the actors, but they're certainly not in their best shape. Jason Statham is always good at playing tough guys looking for trouble, and he's undoubtedly the only cast member to put on a good show as Jake Green. Ray Liotta struggles in the role of malicious casino tyrant, but the only intimidating thing is his underwear. He really could've worn more clothes. As for Andre Benjamin and Vincent Pastore, their shallow performances almost go unnoticed.

On a more positive note however, "Revolver" is incredibly fast-paced and action-loaded. No matter how confusing or ludicrous the plot really is, the movie is stuffed with hot pursuits and crazy shoot-outs, captured stylishly by cinematographer Tim Maurice-Jones. In the end, despite the crippled script, Ritchie's direction and vision give way for some extravagant but compelling sequences that will keep the entertainment boat afloat for 105 minutes. I recommend this flick to Ritchie fans who are glad he dumped "Swept Away" and returned to the action genre.