Layer Cake [Blu-ray] [2004]
RRP: £19.99
Editorial
Amazon.com
As its title suggests, Layer Cake is a crime-thriller that cuts into several levels of its treacherous criminal underworld. The title is actually one character's definition of the drug-trade hierarchy, but it's also an apt metaphor for the separate layers of deception, death and betrayal experienced by the film's unnamed protagonist, a cocaine traffic middle-man played with smooth appeal by Daniel Craig (Casino Royale). Listed in the credits only as "XXXX," the character is trapped into doing a favour for his volatile boss, only to have tables turned by his boss's boss (Gosford Park) in a twisting plot involving a stolen shipment of Ecstasy, a missing girl, duplicitous dealers, murderous Serbian gangsters, and a variety of low-lifes with their own deadly agendas. As adapted by J.J. Connolly (from his own novel) and directed by Matthew Vaughan (who earned his genre chops as producer of Guy Ritchie's Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch), Layer Cake improves upon those earlier British gangland hits with assured pacing, intelligent plotting, and an admirable emphasis on plot-moving dialogue over routine action. Sure, it's violent (that's to be expected) and not always involving, but it's smarter than most thrillers, and Vaughan's directorial debut has a confident style that's flashy without being flamboyant. This could be the start of an impressive career. --Jeff Shannon
Vaughn - The Real Talent Behind Lock Stock?
Review date: 2008-11-05 Rating: 8 out of 10
The British gangster movie is rightly looked down upon. After Guy Richie's 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' there seems to be a slew of below par films set in the British underworld, not least directed by Richie himself. Amongst these films was one that rose above and with its recent BluRay release I decided to revisit 'Layer Cake' to see if it held up - and it does.
XXXX is a new breed of criminal. He is not interested in power or fame, instead he plans to make his money importing drugs and get out whilst he still can. Everything seems to be going to plan until the big boss asked him for a favour. XXXX now finds himself dealing with the likes of 'The Duke' a two bit flash Harry who could get them all killed. Central to the story is a stash of one million ecstasy tablets stolen from very dangerous Eastern Europeans. Can XXXX keep it all together and get out alive and rich?
'Layer Cake' is a well acted and brilliantly presented gangster film. Matthew Vaughn was the producer of Richie's first two films and the influence is certainly here. However, Vaughn is far more intelligent in his direction and gives the film a more realistic feel than Richie does. Daniel Craig proves that he is a great leading man and the ensemble cast is also very strong. The BluRay transfer itself is a good one, but the quality is perhaps not worth paying extra for with this film. For me 'Layer Cake' is up with 'The Bank Job' as one of the best Brit gangster films of the past 10 years.
Reviews
Excellent brit gangster movie
Review date: 2008-03-26 Rating: 8 out of 10
Not quite knowing what to expect from the film I was pleasantly surprised by both the story and the quality of acting, especially from Daniel Craig. The film takes you from one scene to another at a good pace and leaves you feeling like you have watched a film that is not afraid to deal with the real issues and consequences of peoples actions.
This film is also the single reason Mr. Craig won the role of 007 as he shows he can play the "gritty" character well.
No time for a toilet break!
Review date: 2008-03-21 Rating: 8 out of 10
This film grabs you by the "doobries" and won't let you go, right from the start. Action packed with twists and turns from the begining. As suggested, sat down with remote in hand to pause for a wee break - it never happened. A sign of a good film, me thinks!! Enjoy!
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Michael Gambon
Jamie Foreman
Daniel Craig
Dexter Fletcher
Kenneth Cranham
Creators:
Daniel Craig (Primary Contributor)
Kenneth Cranham (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Manufacturer: Sony Pictures Home EntertainmentEAN: 5050629690613Binding: Blu-rayNumber of items: 1Format: PAL, Release date: 2007-03-19Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and overRegion code: 2Running time: 105 minutesTheatrical release date: 2004Language: English (Original Language)
Tech info, cast and quotes/trivia when available. Exclusions may
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