Layer Cake (2004)

When a seemingly straightforward drug deal goes awry, Craig (Daniel Craig), a slick and ambitious dealer, finds himself in a perilous situation. To outwit the old regime, survive the escalating chaos, and claim his territory, he's forced to break his die-hard rules and turn up the heat, navigating a treacherous underworld teeming with double-crosses and unexpected alliances. This thrilling crime drama plunges headfirst into a world of escalating stakes and morally ambiguous characters. Matthew Vaughn's directorial debut, *Layer Cake*, is a masterclass in stylish, fast-paced crime filmmaking. The film showcases Vaughn's burgeoning talent for crafting intricate plots, injecting sharp dialogue, and creating visually arresting sequences that were hallmarks of his later successes like *Kingsman: The Secret Service* and *Kick-Ass*. Daniel Craig delivers a charismatic and compelling performance, setting the stage for his transition into James Bond. *Layer Cake* is undeniably a significant entry on the list of best Matthew Vaughn movies, establishing his unique brand of kinetic, genre-bending storytelling and proving him a director with a formidable vision right from the start.