Enjoy a slice of “Layer Cake”
November 9, 2009 12:31 pm comedy, mystery/thriller
Tasty “Layer Cake” introduces audiences to James Bond actor Daniel Craig
Before Daniel Craig first doffed his tuxedo in “Casino Royale,” the blond hunk with the piercing blue eyes appeared in a whip-smart caper flick called “Layer Cake.”
Craig stars as a seasoned cocaine dealer who’s eying early retirement.
Before he ditches his dangerous career, however, powerful mobster Jimmy Price (Kenneth Cranham) gives Mr. X two last assignments: find Charlie, the drug-addicted daughter of close associate Eddie Temple (Michael Gambon), and negotiate a deal for a million pills of high-quality ecstasy with dimwitted small-timer The Duke (Jamie Forman).
Mr. X must pit his many foes against each other as he stays one step ahead of the law, the criminal underworld and the pills’ unhappy original owners, a gang of Serbian war criminals.
Based on the novel by J.J. Connelly, “Layer Cake” is a smart, slick thriller with sharp dialogue, clever plot twists and a winning cast.
What’s more, the movie features a breakout performance by a future James Bond, Daniel Craig, and the directing debut of “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” producer Matthew Vaughn.
Vaughn went on to helm the sweet-natured fantasy film “Stardust,” based on Neil Gaiman’s children’s book. He’s currently putting the finishing touches on comic book movie “Kick-Ass,” about an ordinary high schooler who decides to become a superhero. (It’s due in theaters April 16, 2010).
“Layer Cake” screens 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at The Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $7.50.
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If fast-paced crime capers aren’t your thing, check out the quirky comedy “Danny Deckchair.”
It’s playing Wednesday at the Information Press office in San Luis Obispo.
Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, best known as the weird roommate in “Notting Hill,” stars the title character — a dissatisfied Aussie who takes to the skies in a balloon-festooned deckchair.
Danny lands in the remote town of Clarence and starts afresh. He even finds a soul mate in the town’s only traffic cop, Glenda (Miranda Otto of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy).
When Danny’s past comes calling, he must choose between his quiet new existence and a glamorous life as a tabloid star in Sydney.
“Danny Deckchair” screens at 6:30 pm. Wednesday at the Information Press office, 3436 Sacramento Dr., Suite A, in San Luis Obispo.
Tickets are $5 and include drinks and popcorn. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring their own bowls, as well as comfy chairs, blankets and throw pillows.
Call 545-7916 for more information.
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Image courtesy of MovieWeb.com.
Reel Whore :
Date: November 9, 2009 @ 1:57 pm
Layer Cake was a great flick. I remember renting it as soon as I heard Craig was the new Bond. He’s yet to disappoint me.
Danny Deckchair is still in my NFQ. One of these days I’ll get to it. It sounds good.