Before she became a big star Kelly McDonald appeared in low budget films like this one that tried to ape the 'feel good British comedy' vibe that was in fashion after The Full Monty.
In principle the idea behind this film is not a bad one. Old bingo hall vs. the new upcoming one. There's lots of room for outlandish characters and sentiment as the staff work together to save the old hall. It also allows room for star turns from people like Freddie Jones.
And yet it doesn't work, despite a good performance from McDonald. The main problem is that the film doesn't seem to know whether it wants to be a big bawdy comedy or a sweet sentimental one. In the end it flits between both camps and ends up being neither.
It's an OK film for a rainy day, but I certainly wouldn't spend big money chasing down a copy.
In principle the idea behind this film is not a bad one. Old bingo hall vs. the new upcoming one. There's lots of room for outlandish characters and sentiment as the staff work together to save the old hall. It also allows room for star turns from people like Freddie Jones.
And yet it doesn't work, despite a good performance from McDonald. The main problem is that the film doesn't seem to know whether it wants to be a big bawdy comedy or a sweet sentimental one. In the end it flits between both camps and ends up being neither.
It's an OK film for a rainy day, but I certainly wouldn't spend big money chasing down a copy.