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)

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)

The pussy-whipped Guy Ritchie isn't exactly having a good time (his current film, Revolver, has perhaps even worse reviews in British media than his previous mega-flop starring Madonna), so another "Ritchie-flick" from a talented young filmmaker comes in handy. For a debut, this is a smartly directed, well-conceived gangster film about a drug dealer and his peripatetic quest to obtain a large shipment of ecstasy, all with the help of rival drug gangs. What separates this film from a fourth star is the fact that there is not a single scene that is indelibly etched in my memory, and that I liked the genre-similar Snatch a bit more, thanks to its more engaging story. Layer Cake simply gets old fast. Daniel Craig is okay, though, he has charisma, he can act too, but that doesn't mean I can't imagine a different type of actor in the role of James Bond. (29/10/2005)

Superb. Vaughn is talented and serves up this great genre piece excellently. Camera tricks, great music, focus on actors... Today these are the creme de la creme of British actors and you can see that Craig put a lot of Mr. Into Bond. The story is well-thought through, has some surprises in store and, most importantly, it’s entertaining. (28/07/2013)

The resemblance to Ritchie is palpable, but that doesn't matter. The important thing is that Matthew Vaughn can also make great films, and his debut is not just a mindless ripoff of a more famous colleague, but a very entertaining, imaginative and original crime film, of which there are never enough. It's true that all the twists and turns and plots aren't perfect and on point, but thanks to the excellent cast, the music and the almost "Ritchie-esque" direction, any ambiguities are squashed far into the background where they don't bother anyone too much. I had more than a pretty good time, I enjoyed Tom Hardy in a smaller role and Daniel Craig once again confirms that he really deserved the role of Bond as an actor. 8/10 (30/10/2012)