- Film Review
- Reviewed By David Parkinson
-
3 out of 5
Full of familiar Britpic faces and spaghetti western references, Shane Meadows's third feature opens with promise and panache. However, once petty crook Robert Carlyle arrives in Nottingham to prevent ex-wife Shirley Henderson from marrying garage boss Rhys Ifans, the Leone tone is replaced by a diluted brand of Ken Loach realism, in which quips and slapstick leaven the underlying atmosphere of aggression and despair. Consequently, the story loses momentum, minor characters are marginalised in favour of introspection and the dénouement winds up more a letdown than a showdown. Knowingly filmed and scored - and acted with aplomb - this is ultimately undone by its laudable ambition.
Plot Summary
Drama set in Nottingham, starring Robert Carlyle and Rhys Ifans. Having seen his ex-wife Shirley being proposed to on a daytime talk show, ex-con Jimmy sets out to prevent her from marrying her new boyfriend, Dek.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Jimmy
- Robert Carlyle
- Dek
- Rhys Ifans
- Carol
- Kathy Burke
- Shirley
- Shirley Henderson
- Charlie
- Ricky Tomlinson
- Marlene
- Finn Atkins
- Vanessa
- Vanessa Feltz
- Plonko the clown
- Vic Reeves
- Kung fu clown
- Bob Mortimer
- Bingo caller
- Shane Meadows
Crew
- Director
- Shane Meadows
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