Jason Statham and Guy Ritchie’s collaboration has seen ups and downs, notably marked by the peculiar and critically panned film Revolver. Their journey together began with the iconic Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels in 1998, which catapulted both Ritchie and Statham into the limelight. Prior to his acting career, Statham traversed various jobs, including appearing as a music video extra and working as a trader on the streets of London. However, his quick rise to fame can be attributed to his fruitful collaborations with Ritchie, with Lock, Stock… generating significant buzz and Statham’s star power solidifying with the subsequent film Snatch in 2000, which welcomed A-list actors like Brad Pitt and Benicio del Toro to the ensemble.
The Bumpy Ride of Revolver
An Unexpected Turn for a Familiar Duo
Upon its release, Revolver initially appeared to be another slick offering from Ritchie, but it was far more complex than anticipated. The narrative intricately weaves Statham’s character as a vengeful criminal against Ray Liotta’s crime boss, ultimately revealing an overshadowing truth: he is his own greatest adversary. Revolver stands out as an unusual amalgamation of gangster drama, heist thriller, and existential inquiry, juxtaposing intense action with thoughtful dialogues on philosophy and the dangerous impact of ego.
Ritchie’s desire to step away from the “guns and geezers”trope unfortunately did not resonate with audiences, as evidenced by Revolver’s disappointing 13% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a mere $7 million global box office gross (via Box Office Mojo). Despite its overall negative reception, the film does contain remarkable moments, such as an innovative gunfight with Mark Strong and a captivating monologue by Statham’s character, Jake, while trapped in an elevator. Despite its flaws, Revolver remains a noteworthy if flawed entry in their filmography that deserves a curious watch.
The 2020s Reunion of Statham and Ritchie
Bringing Wrath of Man to the Forefront
After the rocky reception of Revolver, both Ritchie and Statham ventured down separate paths—Ritchie achieving resurgence through his Sherlock Holmes franchise, while Statham emerged as a bona fide action hero. It took 16 years for them to collaborate again, culminating in the release of Wrath of Man in 2021. This film, unlike their earlier works, took a darker tone but offered a more enjoyable experience than Revolver. With a strong supporting cast, including Josh Hartnett and Holt McCallany, Wrath of Man marked an impressive comeback for both creators.
Shortly after, they dived into the comical heist genre with Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre. Although it struggled at the box office, it captivated audiences with its light-hearted take on heist films, featuring a stellar ensemble cast led by Hugh Grant as an amusing antagonist. Operation Fortune excels in its playful subversion of classic heist tropes, providing a refreshing yet entertaining viewing experience.
The Challenge of Breaking New Ground
The Legacy of Lock, Stock… and Snatch
Despite the successes of Wrath of Man and Operation Fortune, they do not rival the explosive originality of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. These films not only established both Ritchie and Statham’s careers but also encapsulated a unique vitality that has yet to be recaptured. Ritchie’s early works showcased his directorial prowess while Statham used their triumphs to cement his status as a leading action star for the modern era.
|
Every Guy Ritchie & Jason Statham Film |
Rotten Tomatoes Score |
Box Office Gross |
|---|---|---|
|
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) |
75% |
$3.8 million |
|
Snatch (2000) |
74% |
$83.6 million |
|
Revolver (2005) |
13% |
$7.2 million |
|
Wrath of Man (2021) |
68% |
$104 million |
|
Operation Fortune: Ruse of War (2023) |
51% |
$49 million |
It is widely accepted that Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch are arguably the pinnacle of both Ritchie’s and Statham’s careers. Since then, they have struggled to achieve similar critical acclaim, with their early works aging remarkably well in comparison. A return to the gangster comedy genre that initially shaped their careers could perhaps reawaken the old magic—though a Revolver sequel might be best avoided.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes,
Box Office Mojo
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