A few years back, I remember seeing reviews of a film described as like a 90 minute episode of a TV series. The film was "The Parole Officer" and the TV series was "I'm Alan Partridge". I think the comment was meant to be derogatory but it felt like it was high praise.
I think Coogan has tried to escape Partridge for a very long time but he is undoubtedly his greatest character although I'm not entirely sure why he is so great:
Starting in the early to mid-90s, Alan Partridge is essentially a TV/radio presenter with an inflated ego. He thinks he is fantastic and that will always be the case, even as the facts overtake the opinion. That self-confidence with the trajectory of the career do not always match but the high opinion in which he holds his ideas and opinions are always a joy to watch. excruciating at times, but joyful nonetheless. The popping of an arrogant bubble is a classic British comedy trope but it works so well that the formulaic nature is forgotten about as you can always relate it to someone you know. The British class system always makes us think those getting ideas above their station are ridiculous. And the setting of this in Norwich (the World Premiere was also in Norfolk) is a little nod to that as are, I think, the "blood and ice cream" trilogy films by Edgar Wright. Partridge has been through shows on the radio (starting as a sports reporter) graduated to TV and become a personality in his own right.
And so, finally, there is a film for Alan Partridge. Films for sitcoms can go in many directions but rarely in a positive one. There is always the fundamental question of how to pitch characters that ostensibly will need introductions but will usually be introduced to people that already know them. Should they be aimed at fans or non-fans? It feels like more and more films are based on existing characters (comics, TV spin-offs, remakes, reboots, etc) these days and so it is a problem dealt with in many films.
In this instance, the film assumes you know the characters but, they are such simple, and well signposted, characters that you can get a handle on who the characters are pretty easily.
The situation for the comedy is that there is a corporate takeover of the local radio station and they want to replace some of the older DJs with more modern ones to match the modern style. One of the DJs is rather unhappy at the turn of events (Alan is, of course, oblivious to the nature of the changes at first - his confidence in himself shining through) and takes everyone hostage at the station to create a kidnapping situation that Alan is only too happy to try to help resolve.
I think a lot of people, myself included, will want a TV episode stretched out but there is a little more to the character and he has developed since the late 90s heyday. He is not quite as mean as in the past but there are some lovely touches to the whole thing with some nice references to the series. I found myself laughing when nobody else was in the cinema though... I especially liked Lynne's car. The standout moment for me was with Michael which is delightfully pointless but perfectly timed.
Ultimately, the setpieces and showcasing of Norwich are what will make the film and I thought it managed to do that well. The scenes of Alan's excitement at being the centre of attention are really well captured and show his self-centred nature quite well but also endearingly.
I think that if you enjoyed the series, you will enjoy this and if you have not seen the series, you will probably like it. Frankly, if you have seen the series and you did not like it, then I am not sure you actually exist. Do you exist? Pinch yourself now.
That is what they call an unreserved recommendation.
No comments:
Post a Comment