Layer Cake

Matthew Vaughn is now a well-respected director, but his early works were largely unknown to me until now. I have a fondness for British detective films because they have a unique style, much like wine is to France. Layer Cake fits perfectly into this category. I was pleasantly surprised by the film’s approach, which felt more lighthearted, even though it tackled serious themes that should be treated with some respect (and that’s what gave it its charm). The decision to cast Daniel Craig in the lead role was a spot-on choice, and with the rest of the cast being British, I was treated to that excellent British humor full of satire—not everyone may enjoy it, but I devour it. I liked the story, as it had interesting moments and boasted an original plot. I also have to give extra points for the soundtrack, which, while sometimes extravagant, fit perfectly into the scenes and was clearly the work of a genius. More films like this, please. I give it 79%. (11/06/2017)

Another in a series of pictures about the contemporary drug underworld that are full of dirty tricks, twists and that sort of thing. Debutant Matthew Vaughn did a good job and is helped considerably by a strong screenplay. The best thing about this is that this isn’t meant to be a spoof. In fact, quite the opposite. It is serious from start to finish. And that is good, very good, because we have seen far too many variations on “cool Richie pics". (21/04/2022)

A modern gangster film with a decent cast and an interesting screenplay that includes a whole range of motifs and twists. Following the traditional British model, the film is literally overwhelmed with characters, making it difficult to keep track of them at first. It lacks the humor and exaggeration that, in my opinion, belong at the top levels, such as Guy Ritchie's early films. Overall impression: 80%. (19/11/2009)

The third star (that puts the film a bit above-par) is because it’s the début of a director that thrilled me with his other films, otherwise, Layer Cake disappointed me and I would give it five out of ten points. What to do with a film that doesn’t take itself seriously, but it’s not funny? (14/07/2011)

Having seen Stardust (and been captivated by it) and most recently Kick-Ass (which captivated me even more), I decided to give Matthew Vaughn's work a go and got his first feature film to take home as well. Layer Cake is certainly a well made gangster flick with the more than good Daniel Craig in the lead role, and while it doesn't quite achieve the same "grit" as, say, Snatch, it comes across as wholesome and likeable and provides what it should in terms of genre. 80% (17/06/2010)