Plunkett & MacLeane (1999)

When this film was released in 1999 I remember thinking that I wouldn't mind seeing it. I never got around to it at the time and I'd forgotten about it until I saw that it was available on Netflix a couple of days ago. My wife was away so I gave it a go, thinking it was a bit of a lads' shoot 'em up adventure, which on one level it is, but it's so much more than that and it's gone straight into my all-time top 5 films. I enjoyed it so much that I watched it again the next day when my wife had returned as I thought she'd also love it, which she did (though not quite as much as me). I've never watched a film twice in two days before but I could watch it again right now as there are details that I missed each time (e.g. Armstrong & Miller's characters, Winterburn and Dixon, being named after two of Arsenal's defenders in the 1980s/90s). The attention to detail in the film added so much for me, such as in the scene where Gibson (Michael Gambon) has a chat with Mr Chance (Ken Stott) in a circular, domed room. The dialogue is wonderful, with Gibson witheringly cutting Chance down to size by reminding him of his rise to power from a lowly start in life - "What's it feel like to look down on your humble origins from the dizzy heights? Does it make you giddy?" The location, music, lighting and camera angles make the scene highly atmospheric but what struck me in particular was the sight of the three dogs that ran through the room and then back again during the conversation. There was no apparent reason for them to be in the scene but it was a lovely addition to it. The big set pieces, such as the ball and the wedding party, again beautifully shot and lit, were sumptuous visual extravaganzas that also contained wonderful witty dialogue. The use of the contemporary techno music during the Baroque dance scene worked fabulously well, as did the stylised dancing itself. Craig Armstrong's score in general was superb and the Tiger Lillies' falsetto-voiced music hall songs suited the era perfectly. The film is also a celebration of British acting talent, with character actors, both dramatic and comic, from the main leads to the briefest, blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo role, reveling in the opportunity to camp it up and mug the camera. Robert Carlyle and Johnny Lee Miller play off each other to hilarious and touching effect in the title roles. Liv Tyler plays the sparky love interest nicely and, unlike some reviewers, I didn't have any problem with her British accent. Michael Gambon is peerless as always - that man could make a Tesco shopping list seem profound - and Ken Stott creates one of cinema's most memorable villains. Of the lesser roles, Terence Rigby's humane gaoler is a lovely touch and Claire Rushbrook is great as the pox- ridden Lady Estelle. The comedy pairings of Armstrong & Miller and Lucas & Walliams (in a precursor of his 'I'm a lady' Little Britain shtick) bring short but welcome bursts of pantomime to the proceedings. Have I forgotten anyone? Ah yes, Alan Cumming. Rochester is the role of a lifetime for him and, as many other reviewers have pointed out, he steals the film from the moment he appears in his purple hat. All of the other actors are also excellent but a special mention must go to Nichola McAuliffe as Lady Crombie. I'm amazed that no-one else has mentioned her as what she delivers in the three or four lines that she's given is pure perfection - "When a brave new gentleman comes upon the scene…we ladies are quite aflutter". She hardly moves a facial muscle and her voice is almost a monotone but the effect is extraordinary. Her brief appearance really jumped out at me and I had to replay her scene a few times just to wallow in her skill. So, all in all, a fun, dark, atmospheric, anachronistic historical romp in which the bad guys get their comeuppance and the 'good' guys live to fight another day. Terrific and highly recommended.

fresh, nice, good cast, slices of tension, humor and adventure, Robin Hood in new clothes and tales about love and friendship. fragile Jonny Lee Miller, rude Robert Carlyle and Liv Tyler as reflection of old Amazons. good atmosphere, ridiculous aristocrats, fights, mud, fake jewels, an interesting bad guy and charm of Alan Cummings. a part of childhood novels with heroes, princesses, air of lost age and mysteries. and if it is not a new story - the recipes is yellow - it is a perfect temptation to rediscover bones of dusty world. out of rules, as football play in school yard, far from problems or great artistic expectations. a Iain Robertson is OK solution for create circle of credibility and stop impression of mediocre delight. but this movie is more than a joke or piece of long chain. it is remember of good times. and this fact is very important today.

Plunkett & Macleane is the debut movie of Jake Scott {son of Ridley}. It stars Robert Carlyle {Plunkett}, Jonny Lee Miller {Macleane}, Liv Tyler, Ken Stott, Michael Gambon & Alan Cumming. The thinly written story concerns our two Highwaymen protagonists who although at different ends of the social spectrum, team up to rob the rich, and that's it! It's a odd film in many ways, with Scott and his team trying to keep an old fashioned value whilst giving it a modern day MTV make over. The result of which is a choppy picture that none the less is just about fun enough for the undemanding viewer.The piece had a number of producers involved in it, one of whom was Gary Oldman, so it's probably no surprise that it feels that it's been cut, re-shot and tampered with. There's no discernible flow to the movie, in fact it actually could be classed as one long MTV video. Crash follows wallop as techno modern beats blend uneasily with dandy dalliances. It's testament to Carlyle & Miller that they manage to rise above it and generate a believable bond that holds court and stops the viewers from pondering about the weak excuse of a plot on offer. There's also enough good to be had in the comedy moments and one or two of the set-pieces. Notably in the smoke bombed finale. In support, Ken Stott, a fine television actor, does a nice line in malicious, weasel villainy, and Alan Cumming is a pure delight as the camp swinger of all ways, Lord Rochester. Gambon isn't given much to do, while Tyler is effectively asked to look pretty and fill out her period costume to the max.It's full of spirit and it has some nice technical touches, but it remains an awkward film that is quickly forgotten once the ringing in your ears has stopped. 5/10

This has to be my favourite film. The script is sharp and played to the limit by an excellent Miller and fantastic Carlisle! Sharp wit, excellent narrative and no Hollywood polishing; a totally immersible film which has you gunning for the bad guys! Stott excels again as the detestable Chance, while Liv Tyler truly beats her other, lighter performances as the excitement-hungry Rebecca! The soundtrack may not be known to you by name, but anyone who has ever seen Top Gear, watched the football or seen any TV action sequence is probably familiar with it, particularly due to Craig Armstrong's, 'Escape' which must allow him never to work again! The soundtrack on first play may seem out of place in a costume drama/action/comedy, but one re-watching shows it is perfectly at home in giving the the script it's drama.My one gripe about this film is that it isn't shown enough on TV! Where is it? Truly excellent, sharp and classy - you'll not regret watching it - again and again! (exits to switch on DVD player!)