Daddy was a bankrobber, but he never hurt nobody. He just loved to live that way, and he loved to steal your money

Are you a RockNRolla?

Walking into the theater to see the film, you probably find yourself asking, “What is a RockNRolla?” The answer is found right at the beginning of the movie: “A real RockNRolla wants the fucking lot,” the good life in all aspects. What does that have to do with the film, other then the fact that the title is RockNRolla? At the center of the conflict is a rocker named Johnny Quid who faked his own death for popularity; but the tale is also one of money, drugs, art and relationships and at its core is a crime film. So, the title of ‘RockNRolla’ has to do with music as well as crime.

Like other Guy Ritchie films, RockNRolla deals with the underworld of London. Thieves, mobsters, and corrupt figures populate the movie, which centers said people that end up in trouble with the Russians. Like Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, a series of interconnected events leads to the main conflict of the film: the Russian boss’s painting goes missing whilst in the care of a London crime boss. It turns out, Johnny Quid is Lenny the boss’s son and has stolen the painting, causing trouble for the London crime boss who is trying to negotiate with the Russians over property and money. This action sets off the conflict that causes the other characters to scramble around and pass on the painting without realizing its significance.

Ritchie employs a great cast including Gerard Butler as a thief named One-Two, Tom Wilkinson as Lenny, Mark Strong as Archie, Lenny’s second, and Thandie Newton as the Russian’s accountant who inadvertently adds to the main conflict of the film. Toby Kebbell’s Johnny Quid ties them all together with his philosophical commentary as he delves deeper into the life of a RockNRolla. The characters in the film are diverse and flawed, making the cast well rounded. At the same time, all the characters are humorous and important to the plot. Even the junkies who make a few appearances add a comedic aspect as well as furthering on the conflict. Most important, the characters are believable and somehow, like a true Ritchie cast, are all interconnected in one form or another.

As a film in the crime genre, the story revolves around the life of criminals, thugs, and dirty thieves. There is stealing, swindling, drug use and action to go along with it. But there is also a humorous play on the seriousness of these events. Unlike other crime films, this one can be considered more of a comedy, but it still has its roots deep into the crime genre. Yes, there are robbery scenes, blood and violence, but the robberies get messed up, things go wrong, and people just don’t stay dead. One-Two’s encounter with the Russians that spans on for more than he thought it would is one of those great comedic scenes. Subplots become connected to the main one and everything seems to come full circle. Things stay understandable with the help of Archie’s voiceovers and the movie stays enjoyable to watch all the way through.

The story and characters make a film, but the soundtrack is absolutely amazing and adds to the story and mood. The music ranges from ‘50s and ‘60s rock to rock and roll of modern times. With the film having RockNRoll in the title, it would have been a disappointment not to have a RockNRoll soundtrack. The music helps with the comedy, the action, and even the background of the film, especially in terms of Johnny Quid. A notable use of the soundtrack is the flashback sequence involving a younger Johnny and Lenny, which illustrates their relationship against The Clash’s “Bankrobber.” It is a brilliant and touching scene, and explains why Johnny and Lenny clash so much, no pun intended.

Overall, the film is worth watching, even if you are not a fan of crime films. Its action, comedy and drama add to it and make it enjoyable and anyone who appreciates a humorous spin on a normally serious topic would like it. If you are a fan of Guy Ritchie or enjoyed his other films, RockNRolla is definitely one to add to your collection.