REVIEW — “The Gentlemen”

Packed with explosive wit and powerhouse performances, The Gentlemen is a rousing return to form for Guy Ritchie.

Writer/director Guy Ritchie returns to his British-gangter roots with ​The Gentlemen, a rollicking, star-studded, action comedy starring an all-star ensemble cast including Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Marsan, Colin Farrell, and Hugh Grant. ​

The film follows American expat Mickey Pearson (McConaughey) who built a highly profitable marijuana empire in London. When word gets out that he’s looking to cash out of the business forever it triggers plots, schemes, bribery, and blackmail in an attempt to steal his domain out from under him. The film builds to a crescendo of twists, turns, and classic Ritchie double-crosses.

With whip-smart dialogue and perhaps the most slow-burn script from Ritchie, ​The Gentlemen features fierce performances from its seasoned cast.

Particularly hilarious stand-outs include: Farrell as a noble youth boxing coach who must reluctantly pay a debt, Hunnam as a loyal lieutenant with OCD, Grant as a duplicitous tabloid photojournalist with a flair for dramatic storytelling, and McConaughey who is scary-good as self-made crime king, Pearson.

Alongside Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery as his wife/partner-in-crime, McConaughey summons a fiery intensity in a performance that commands respect and attention. It’s their partnership and chemistry that form heart of the film, one that is both bloody and brilliant.

3/5 and Bob’s your uncle.

With a running time of 1 hour 55 minutes, The Gentlemen is rated R.