The Parole Officer (2001) User Reviews

My 10th Review: Hugely Enjoyable Caper

[intelearts · 7/10 · 15 December 2006]

Best surprise I've had in a long time: funny, sweet, and just well, good. It's not crude, or rude ('cept for a couple of obligatory phallic jokes and a couple of swear words) : it could be Rowan Atkinson in the title role. Here Steve Coogan, for my money, leaves behind the skewering satire and parody that made him a household name and a cult figure on UK television, and by half way through the film develops a character that you root for 100%

Nice storyline, a fun caper, and mixed bag of personalities make this a much better mix than expectations might lead you to believe.

I love Ealing Comedies, and good British comedies like Brassed Off, and thought the recent US remake of the Ladykillers was just about everything you don't want a crime comedy movie to be...

... the thing about the Parole Officer is that it is simply enjoyable; it has great pace, some tension and thrills, good laughs, with enough silliness, and ideas to keep it afloat; but it also has a sweet heart and a decency at its center. We thoroughly enjoyed it: especially the last hour: once Coogan stops trying to prove he can develop figures only to poke fun about - he becomes a really likable character - and that's no bad thing.

It's fun - pure and simple - which is a quality sadly lacking in films these days. Definitely worth viewing.

Hardly original but certainly entertaining

[HenryHextonEsq · 6/10 · 14 August 2001]

Some of the criticism this film has received seems a little unfair. While its concept, plot and characters are not very inventive, the tone of the film works. The humour is often very amusing indeed, and much does amuse in the film. Even the predictable attempts at "Gross-Out" humour work in themselves, if perhaps not in the context of the film.

Questions could be raised about the film's odd mix of styles - the attempts at naturalism and post-modernism, old-fashioned lightweight adventure and Ealing whimsicality - all seem at odds with each other, yet an entertaining film emerges from this. The playing of an impressive cast is sound, with the supporting players, like Om Puri and Ben Miller making the most of limited parts. Stephen Dillane does a steady job as a smug, self-satisfied policeman baddie. I much enjoyed the absurd bit where he laughs maniacally for a while while on TV and the camera zooms into the TV screen Coogan is watching him on. Newcomer Emma Williams is an effective addition to the cast, although she doesn't have all that much to do in plot terms, come to think of it. The finely named Lena Headey is very inoffensive as the "love interest", and thankfully the romance such as it is is light-hearted and made part of the convoluted plot. Perhaps a problem is the excess of characters, a few of whom could be done without. Omar Sharif's cameo was briskly enjoyable, but hardly necessary to the plot, for example. Steve Coogan, so successful on TV with the Alan Partridge character, goes for a more likable, less intricate comic character in this film. He is often excellent, in scenes such as when he does an odd, buffoonish dance in a club. There are plenty of effective little character touches and importantly, one is made to like his character and want him and his "gang" to win out, so to speak, by the end. A film reminiscent of past British Ealing comedies, yet with a fair dose of crudity. In the context of today, this is an impressively funny film, but it does not quite match up to "The Ladykillers" or "The League of Gentlemen", for example. It is slightly overlong, but largely a winning, refreshing minor comedy.

Tea, Coffee, Hot Bovril.....

[FlashCallahan · 5/10 · 9 July 2015]

Failed parole officer Simon Garden is framed for a murder committed by one of Manchester's leading police officers.

The only evidence proving his innocence is a CCTV video tape locked inside a bank vault. With the help of four inept ex-criminals and love interest Emma, Garden must break into the bank and steal the CCTV footage in order to clear his name.....

Oh the transition from TV to big screen is a long and arduous path. Some succeed with very little effort (Simon Pegg), but for others, they suffer an unfortunate Mis-step, which hinders them for a while.

2001 had two particular cases of the latter. The awful Ali G Inda House was one, and this was the other casualty.

The story is good enough, but the humour just feels so seventies TV sitcom, and the inclusion of the vomit scene on The Big One wreaks of desperation. Every one who is a fan of Coogan knows that he is a comic genius, his characters are hilarious and self deprecating, but here with Garden, it seems that he is trying to hard to channel Peter Sellers, but it always ends up with him reverting back to Partridge, which hinders the narrative.

The rest if the cast are fine, but they are relegated to stereotypes, and appearing in little sketches that the film resorts too for laughs.

It's a shame, because there are a few funny moments in the film, Om Puri is truly funny in his role, but at the end of the day, it just feels like a TV Christmas special, and no amount of Omar Sharif in a comedy wig can change it.

Not great but silly and rather amusing at times

[bob the moo · 21 June 2004]

Simon Garden is a parole officer but not a particularly successful one. When one of his assigned ex-cons, Kirsty, steals a car and some drugs Simon believes that the arresting officer, DI Burton, has pocketed the drugs. He follows Burton to find out more and ends up witnessing him murdering a known underworld accountant. Intimidated and moved out of his job, Simon realises that the whole thing was caught on cctv and he can use it to prove Burton's guilt but there's only one problem – the security tape has been placed in the vault of the local bank. Against all his values and beliefs, Simon calls together a collection of the ex-cons that he had put straight and puts together a plan to rob the bank, steal the tape and use it to prove the murderer.

Many films are not really worth the bother of going to the cinema and paying your money to see and, for me, The Parole Officer was one such film. So three years later I decided to watch this for free when it arrived on channel 4 and, while it was a silly little thing, it still made me laugh a few times and that was enough for me. The plot is silly and simple but it has a nice little comic touch to it that creates a general air of humour as well as several specifically funny moments. Of course it is nonsense and not hilarious but it did the job for me and was funny in a rather basic and silly way – although if you are expecting to be laughing out loud all the way through it then I imagine you will be disappointed.

The cast is pretty good and features a lot of well-known faces (well, certainly well known to fans of UK comedy). Coogan is hardly at his best here and this is not a great showcase for him (it just doesn't compare to his better work) but he is still funny even if his Simon is just a very poor man's Alan Partridge. Support is good for him from the likes of Om Puri, Emma Williams, Steve Waddington and the great Ben Miller. None of them really shine but they are as good as the film deserves and help support Coogan well enough. Omar Sharif makes a very strange cameo (but an effective one) and the wonderful Simon Pegg showed just how able he is by getting laughs by simply exchanging a glance with Julia Davis.

Overall this is a silly British comedy without a great deal of style or imaginative wit but one that still managed to make me laugh several times throughout the film. The humour will appeal more to a British audience than anyone else; certainly the casting is designed to appeal to an UK audience and the sense of humour will too. Not a great film by any means and far from being the best example of the abilities of those involved but it raised a few laughs and had a humorous tone all the way through that I quite enjoyed.

Only occasionally hilarious.

[helenaduberry · 7/10 · 22 August 2001]

I like Steve Coogan, so naturally I was excited about his film debut. Co-written by Coogan, it should have been a laugh riot. Unfortunately however, it isn't. There are some inspired moments of pure hiarity, one being the rollercoaster scene, but other jokes fail to raise laughs. The supporting cast is OK, especially Om Puri (of East Is East fame), but it's a mild disappointment overall. Should've been great, but as it is, it's only quite good. Sorry Steve, but TV's a better showcase for your comic talents.

Funny little British movie

[Superunknovvn · 6/10 · 23 November 2007]

"The Parole Officer" is a funny little comedy gem from the UK that has its share of flaws. Occasionally the jokes are just a bit too silly and the movie has a few lengths in the middle. Also, the score seems completely out of place more often than not.

On the plus side, though, the film has got a great cast. Most jokes work because the actors deliver them with such great timing. Nothing needs to be said about Steve Coogan anymore. Everybody knows his talent by now and the man is rightfully on his way to a career in Hollywood. Ben Miller can be seen here, too, before he came to bigger fame with "The Worst Week Of My Life". He's great, just like Om Puri, George Steven Waddington and Emma Williams, all of which play a group of ex-criminals who plan to break into a bank to steal evidence that will clear the name of the wrong-fully accused title character (played by Coogan). Lena Headey is another face you might recognize from "300" or the new "Terminator" TV-series. She's just gorgeous, beautiful and very charming. Omar Sharif makes a prominent cameo and there's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance by Simon Pegg - probably the best moment of the entire movie.

So, yeah, "The Parole Officer" is a very enjoyable movie. Not all jokes hit the bullseye, but you'll laugh more than a few times. I really recommend this movie to everyone who likes classic Heist flicks and/or comedies like "Fletch".

Amusing but ultimately disappointing Coogan debut

[huggybear-2 · 6/10 · 13 August 2001]

Steve Coogan has arguably been the funniest man on British television in recent years. His rise from Spitting Image voice and impressionist to the inventor of classic character comedies involving Alan Partridge, Paul and Pauline Calf and the like has been unrivalled, taking in tv shows like The Day Today and long runs in West End theatre.

Surely transposing this impressive track record to the big screen would prove no difficulty at all? Well, it does. Perhaps it is judging this film in light of Coogan's previous output, but I was expecting more frequent laughs and more outright comedy, rather than falling into the typical English track of delivering a gentle, amusing tale that is charming but ultimately forgettable.

The plot, involving Coogan's failed parole officer who witnesses a murder and is subsequently framed by a corrupt police officer, is all well and good. There are several comic moments, including the now infamous rollercoaster scene.

Somehow however the characters are not strong enough (Coogan himself is most guilty here) and the laughs insufficiently hearty. I expect the appeal of the film will be limited outside of the UK.

a couple of outrageous laughs

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 13 October 2016]

Simon Garden (Steve Coogan) is an "annoying" incompetent parole officer. Of his thousand clients, he could only point to three successes; George (Om Puri), Jeff, and Colin. He gets transferred to Manchester. Police Inspector Burton (Stephen Dillane) chases down juvenile car thief Kirsty and recovers drugs. She becomes Simon's case and claims the drugs were planted. He asks out police constable Emma (Lena Headey). At a strip club, he witnesses Burton selling the drugs and murdering his criminal partner. He escapes but leaves behind his wallet. Burton threatens him with a murder frame-up but later, he decides to take on the corrupt hero cop with the help of his clients, and the mysterious Victor (Omar Sharif).

Coogan is playing a well-meaning buffoon in a light caper police crime drama. He delivers some good comedy and a couple of outlandish gross-out jokes. Vomiting on the roller-coaster is hilarious. The movie could have staked out that area and made this utterly stupid. Instead, it tries to straddle both gross out stupidity and light caper comedy. It needs to pick how serious to treat the material. As it stands, it struggles to satisfy both high-minded and low-brow comedic tastes.

Wonderfully underrated romp

[knightout · 9/10 · 20 February 2002]

After mediocre initial reviews, this film could become a cult classic.

It's a 'perfect crime' comedy with hints of 'A Fish called Wanda', and different people will take different things from it. There's high-level slapstick, satire/parody and a lot of Steveish in-humour for die-hard Coogan fans.

The entire plot is unbelievable to a farcical extreme, and every character other than Simon Garden suffers from a lack of depth, but then this was always going to be a Coogan vehicle (Rover 75 V6 with Walnut dash, perhaps) and he makes the transition to big screen star successfully, if reluctantly.

I suspect that as Coogan matures as an actor and relaxes into mainstream life, the Parole Officer's reputation will retroactively improve and in ten years time, this will be seen as a classic British comedy.

Much better than the reviews

[David198 · 7/10 · 21 June 2004]

This film has been almost universally criticised by reviewers, so much so that I rather assumed it would be an unfunny dud. I was pleasantly surprised!

(S0ME VERY MINOR SPOILERS)

The plot may be highly improbable and have some gaping holes (e.g. why didn't the murderers just destroy the incriminating video?) but it is a very strong storyline that carries you and the film along with it. The presence of Omar Sharif and Jenny Agutter lend real weight to the cast list - Sharif in particular is excellent though Agutter is under-used. And there are many genuinely funny scenes.

The all-singing all-dancing 'feelgood' finale is reminiscent of Bend It Like Beckham. And for this British reviewer it was refreshing to see a very British film for a change, with British locations and a totally different 'feel' to most US fare.

In my opinion, where the movie could have really benefited would have been from a rewrite of the weaker sections, where the jokes fall a bit flat. This could have taken it from being a good film to a great one.

Coogan's One

[paul2001sw-1 · 3/10 · 20 June 2004]

Steve Coogan wrote and stars in 'The Parole Officer', an Ealing-esque take on high-tech heist movies like 'Ocean's Eleven', with various nods to James Bond, 'The Italian Job' and a host of other films gently lampooned within. Coogan plays Simon Garden, a nerdy, PC-talking parole officer who masterminds an unlikely bank job in the name of justice. There are funny moments in this portrayal, but it's a dull role which almost requires the opposite of acting: the squarer and more awkward Coogan sounds, the more in-character he is. This sort of thing can work in a "mockumentary" ('The Office' obviously comes to mind), but whether such low-key, observational comedy can really work in a comedy thriller is a different question: one might say that the very unlikeliness of this scenario is the film's selling point, but mostly it just seems lame. (I had the same problem with Coogan's (much funnier) creation, talk-show host Alan Partridge, who was horribly believable as a person but, unlike his brilliant U.S. rival Larry Sanders, never convincing as someone who would actually get on T.V.; likewise, Simon the bank-robber never rings true). Perhaps aware that it can't make its plot line stick, 'The Parole Officer' descends into obvious parody and a odd collection of gags, some cringe-worthy, some potentially funny (but only in a more realistic setting). Overall, a very flat film caught uncomfortably between slapstick and black farce.

Is that a gun in your pocket?

[lastliberal · 7/10 · 15 April 2007]

Steve Coogan (A Cock and Bull Story, Hot Fuzz)shines as a parole officer, who was wrongfully accused, joining his band of parolees in a delightful comedic romp to clear his name. Lena Headey (300) joins the fun, as does Omar Sharif.

Not being familiar with Coogan's work on British TV, I was impressed with his talents and think there is some fine work ahead from him. Of course, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Headey, and would like to see much more of her.

I usually don't go for crude humor, but I did have to laugh at the roller coaster bit.

BRING BACK ALAN P

[kevin c · 2/10 · 9 July 2003]

Coogan a man of such great promise. The man who bought us the genius of Partridge, and a host of other characters. And so why is he in this tosh?

There's about one decent gag, the rest is just awful and the script is pathetic.

Conventional feelgood caper movie, unconventional lead character

[leapso · 25 August 2002]

You've seen similar plots, characters, tension/release "will the good guys prevail against unbelievable odds" elements if you've seen any movies at all. But you probably haven't seen too many lead characters like Steve Coogan's rather ungifted parole officer in this.

Coogan specialises in 'little' English characters (though quite a diverse range over his career) - graceless, irritating, of terrific drive but little achievement, and prone to finding the greatest possible embarrassment and humiliation in any situation. They're somewhat like Michael Palin's favourite type of characters (if you know Eric Olthwaite from the TV series "Ripping Yarns" that's probably one of his) but Palin had more affection for them as a rule.

Somewhat unusually for Coogan he displays a certain affection for his parole officer here - he has his triumphs - but this is a more conventional kind of entertainment than Coogan is normally prone to.

It really is just a feelgood comedy caper movie, with a stand-out lead character, but the feelgood stuff is done pretty slickly, and the protagonist is invariably hilarious - Coogan is funny every time he puts himself at the centre of a scene.

I can understand why other long-term Coogan fans are surprised or disappointed about the conventional nature of this movie, as opposed to his TV work. But I think "The Parole Officer" achieves everything it intended to. Steve Coogan is an exceedingly talented man.

What's up with everyone? this movie's great!

[messed_up · 6/10 · 19 March 2002]

I was looking forward to this film so much that I was was waiting outside the cinema an hour before it opened, and I have to say I wasn't the slightest bit disappointed. I expected nothing less than Steve Coogan's genius, and I think that was what the audience got-Steve Coogan's genius. Although many wouldn't agree I feel this film is very Cooganesque, how couldn't it be? It was written by the main man and Henry Normal, as most Steve Coogan productions are. The cast were great, except for maybe one bad choice, and the acting was great. So much effort was put into this, especially by Steve Coogan, and it paid off as they all created a British masterpiece! Keep up the good work Steve!

Not as sharp as usual

[m.cordell · 6/10 · 12 August 2001]

The best thing about this film is that the humour is surprisingly subtle: Coogan relies on an odd turn of phrase, or mild misunderstandings to garner laughs. Consequently the neanderthals I had the misfortune to view the film with were non plussed. There were not too many American style gross-out jokes, which meant the few sick gags that came along had more effect.

The plot is a disappointment and makes little sense, it had to be another Ealing-style caper instead of something a bit more unique. How did they know the inside of the bank so well? Where did they get all the equipment from? You aren't invited to ponder these things too much, but there just aren't enough jokes to distract you.

The film is cute, likeable, British and idiosyncratic, but there are not a huge amount of belly laughs. At least it's not set in London, which makes a change. Omar Sharif's cameo matters little and it is difficult to care about the characters.

If you like Coogan's style of finding humour from awkwardness, failure and confusion, you'll enjoy it. Shame the story was so dull.

Old fashioned comedy caper fun.

[steventudor · 7/10 · 11 August 2001]

Considering Coogan was part of a new wave of comedians in the nineties, coming through with people like the currently controversial Chris Morris, it's surprising to find him making such an old fashioned type of film. The parole Officer is entertaining and fun in an inoffensive kind of way. Not in a bland Hollywood Freddy Prinze Jr kind of way. Just that it isn't trying to rock the boat or push any limits, it just skips all that crap and tells an amusing story. Refreshing and funny.

I saw a man strangle a human being - well, an accountant anyway.

[cosmorados · 7/10 · 27 July 2008]

Simon Garden is an annoying Parole Officer who tries to see the best in everyone, fills them with inspirational anecdotes and hope that they'll see the error of her ways, however, as it is hardened criminals he deals with it is about as successful as a Bush Presidency. Forced out by his colleagues at Blackpool he is offered a position in Manchester, but things here go from bad to worse as he witnesses a corrupt cop kill an accountant and is forced out from there as well. As he recalls that the security system in the building will have acted as a second witness to the crime he galvanises the skills of the three men who have gone straight in order to rob the bank that houses the security tape.

This is a pretty standard British comedy that is marked out by a number of good gags (the roller coaster scene in particular) and the actual raid itself. The performances in the film are all as good as they can be with Steve Coogan in fine form as the meek Parole Officer trying to be a role model for people who don't want one. The support of Ben Miller, Lena Hedley, Steven Waddinton, Om Puri (He's always good) and Emma Williams are all fine and the cameo at the end of the film is one that is worth waiting for.

The script is a simple tale that is made as good as it can be and is kind of a throwback to the great Ealing comedies of the forties and fifties with a more contemporary edge and for the most part it is successful. The only downside for me is that, knowing Manchester the way I do, I know that certain buildings aren't where they appear in this film and that is a bit of an issue, but that said this is still essentially an enjoyable Sunday afternoon film for people who want to see Steve Coogan as something other than support in successful American films.

Worth a watch.

A great English film, hilarious!

[spselecter · 10/10 · 30 March 2002]

A great English film, Hilarious! Steve Coogan is not the favourite actor amoungst Uk films but in this case he pulled off a stunning performance, I also enjoyed the series "The Office". But the film was better! This is an extreme example of a hilarious English film. Thick characters, a stupid cowardly hero type of main character, and the big evil guy drinking beer in the background! I love it! Coogan is recognised by me for his silly way to say "Ryyyyyaight".

If you havent already and even if you already have run to the video store now! His passionate way to flirt is pathetic, I loved the way he acted around Women I always laughed my head off. Although on the front cover it says the best British film since The full Monty I know it dont mean this but; The full monty was at least 5x's as good as this so that means That Parole officer was brilliant still but full monty better!

Ive seen Steve Coogan as a sort proper actor now where as the parts he used to play werent acting it was just telling jokes which still caught the public eye but hes a favourite of mine now. John Duigan did a great job, I dont know what expectations he had in mind but for me it worked brilliantly, a real spectacular film, EXCELLENT!!!

Ah-Ha It`s Alan Partridge

[Theo Robertson · 6/10 · 22 September 2003]

Steve Coogan ? Very funny man , but the one problem with Coogan is he`s only very funny when he`s being Alan Partridge . In short like Sacha Baron Cohen ( AKA Ali G ) he`s a one trick pony . I guess Coogan himself is aware of how hit and miss his comedy characters are so he decided to make Simon Garden , the parole officer of the title , an Alan Partridge clone . check out lines like " I saw a man strangle a human being -well an accountant " or " Don`t forget to wash your hands " which are Patridge-isms and the mannerisms of Simon aren`t so much written with Alan in mind but more like sculpted

I wouldn`t say this is a criticism of the film because I did enjoy THE PAROLE OFFICER for the most part mainly because of the Patridge-isms . There are some flaws to the film , namely the last third of the film being a little too feelgood for its own good while Lena Headey is just about the most unconvincing WPC I`ve ever seen on screen , but for the most part THE PAROLE OFFICER is a good britcom with a few scenes - Like the one on the rollercoaster and the scene at the art gallery - that made me laugh out loud

The Parole Officer

[jboothmillard · 5/10 · 8 February 2010]

I remember seeing this film once, and not only did I need to see it again, but I noticed I hadn't written a review of it, so it a case of all over again. Basically failed parole, or probation, officer Simon Garden (Steve Coogan) witnesses a murder in a store room, committed by one of Manchester's leading police constables, Detective Inspector Burton (King Arthur's Stephen Dillane). After escaping, Simon managed to drop his wallet containing identification at the crime scene, so he has been framed for the murder by Burton. The only proof he knows of to prove his innocence and Burton's guilt is the CCTV security camera footage on a video tape, locked inside a bank vault. With the help of ex-criminals George (Gandhi's Om Puri), Jeff (Sleepy Hollow's Steven Waddington) and Colin (Ben Miller), whom Simon paroled, and love interest Emma (Lena Headey), they plan to break into the bank and steal this video tape to clear his name. Also starring Jenny Agutter as Sarah Bonderenko - Victor's Wife, Emma Williams as Kirsty, Simon Pegg as Deflated Husband, Omar Sharif as Victor and Julia Davis as Insinuating Wife. I can see what the critics mean by the film trying to recapture the days of the British Ealing comedy crime caper, and it nearly manages it. Coogan is as good as what you see on TV, his range of co-stars are a alright, and there are some good moments that will get some giggles, so I might watch it again in the future. It was nominated the BAFTA for the Carl Foreman Award for the Most Promising Newcomer for writers Coogan and Henry Normal. Worth watching!

A brilliant comedy

[l_cobern1989 · 10/10 · 16 October 2007]

This a very enjoyable film and is a great family film as well only if the kids are older than 12. I first watched it on video finding it at a car boot sale. I was defiantly glad i got it because i couldn't stop laughing through out the whole of the film. Since i have had it i have watched it about 8 times and still laugh each time. It has a great cast in it as well, such as Ben Miller, Om Purin, Lena Headey and many more. They all put in great performances that keep the audience laughing thanks to Steve Coogan who wrote the film himself. This a brilliant British comedy and will keep you laughing through out the whole of the film.

Recommended for Devout Coogan Fans Only

[pontoffelpock · 6/10 · 7 June 2011]

Steve Coogan and Henry Normal, writers of The Parole Officer, both have had moments of brilliance in their careers. The Parole Officer, however, is not one.

The film is ostensibly a comedy, but devotes most of its screen time to hackneyed, and frankly boring, story lines: Coogan plays Simon Garden, a parole officer who discovers corruption within the Manchester police department, and assembles some of his former, reformed clients in order to help him steal the evidence needed to bring this to light. There's also a chemistry-lacking romantic subplot involving a policewoman, and not many laughs.

Coogan has delivered some of his best, funniest performances when allowed to just freely ramble, often improvising. The Parole Officer, with so many plot "twists" to work in, eschews any such quiet hilarity, and when it has room for a joke, goes with obvious, crude bathroom humour (there are a surprisingly high number of boner jokes). The amount of time spent on the convoluted crime/corruption plots also cuts characterization to a minimum. Even Simon Garden, our supposed protagonist, is not given much personality or character history beyond, "he has some sort blood sugar disorder requiring him to eat crisps a lot." Furthermore, the plot's much-heralded action sequences end up being rather dull, and the music selection (late 90s/early 00s pop) does not help, as it has not aged well.

Coogan has a few funny moments, and there is a very short, very strange cameo by Simon Pegg and Julia Davis, but there is nothing in The Parole Officer to justify a recommendation. It is better off forgotten, as one failed venture of some very talented people.

(For those severely crushing on the Coogs, and curious to see him in the glasses and smart suit on the poster, just skip to the dialogue-free end credits montage – you won't miss much.)

Oh dear ...

[Cedric_Catsuits · 2/10 · 10 July 2006]

Believe it or not there are some really talented British actors on show here, but the awful script and direction make this so dire as to be embarrassing. Probably just a cynical attempt to cash in on recent British comic successes, little thought was given as to the interaction between the TV stars such as Coogan & Miller, and established Thesps such as Puri, Agutter and Sharif. Few of the performances are spot-on - young Emma Williams' perhaps being the best. There is an awkward, contrived, hurried feeling to it all, and the few jokes that actually work are lost in all the confusion.

It looks like it was finished in a weekend like a sort of last-minute school project - started with good intentions, but ran out of steam sometime after a heavy dinner and a few drinks. That's probably the only time to watch it - slightly merry, stuffed, and too lazy to change channels on the TV.