Firstly, this is not the sequel to the cult classic, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels as some people have claimed. However it's the same formula as Lock Stock, and as the Castrol commercial states: "if you're on a good thing, stick to it".

The story goes like this - a pair of small-time unlicensed boxing managers, Turkish (played delightfully by Jason Statham) and goofy sidekick Tommy (Stephen Graham), have their big chance at some serious money in a deal to rig one of their fighters' bouts with the ruthless fight organizer Brick Top (Alan Ford).

Problem is their pug, Mickey O'Neil (Brad Pitt) isn't the most reliable at throwing fights and soon Brick Top wants revenge.

In comes Frankie Four Fingers, en route to the big apple to deliver a massive stolen diamond from Antwerp to his acrimonious American boss, Avri. Frankie Four Fingers, however, is a gambling addict, which Russian gun dealer, Boris The Blade (played gloriously by Rade Serbedzija) knows all too well, and after luring him to the boxing bout, Boris sets Frankie up to be robbed by a trio of morons.

Guy Ritchie uses everything in his directorial arsenal for this ripping yarn - witty dialogue, fast editing, frenetic pace and continual close-ups.

There are a lot of things going on with this very convoluted and sporadic plot, but the outstanding thing about this flick is they all get tied up and twisted around each other at the end, so there are no loose ends.

The movie has a collection of memorable funny scenes, but the one that stands out in my mind is the one featuring three guys and a squeaking dog in a stolen car (it still has me laughing thinking about it).

The huge collection of weirdo characters and fast-moving structure don't provide for any individual stand-out performances, but all cast members are sound and facetious.

By far one of the best films this year, Snatch proves once again the Brits are the true maestros of the comedy genre. Like an episode of Minder, it's British comedy at its damaging best.

Rating: 8/10 - recommended.

By Daniel Armstrong