Average User Rating: 80% (29 Reviews)
5 / 5	Just the job! Dr. George L. Sik (Epsom, Surrey) - 19 March 2008 This is a great film. Ignore any critic who dismisses it as 'just another British gangster flick' - it's a class above! The best thing about it is that it appears to be based on a true story, though such levels of conspiracy seem to have been involved that much has to be speculation. It seems that the secret service deliberately recruited a ramshackle bunch of first-time bank robbers to liberate the contents of a vault in a Baker Street bank notorious for holding blackmail photographs and the like. Of chief interest was a series of snaps taken by a West Indian (as folk used to say in the seventies) political militant who is also a bit of a 'gangsta' which show Princess Margaret being gang-banged on an unnamed (but we can guess) Caribbean island. There is a cracking script by Clement and La Frenais who gave us, among other things, The Likely Lads, Porridge and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. Here they show they have a dark side - just because a character may be a chirpy, cheeky chappie, don't assume no harm will come to him (a bit like with Janet Leigh's character in Psycho, it's as well to take nothing for granted). The casting is superb. David Suchet - known to all as Poirot but so very, very versatile - positively sparkles as a nasty Soho pornographer. Peter Bowles is a wonderful corrupt politician. Jason Statham is just right. Little Michael Jibson, still a new face in films but known to those who saw him star in the Madness musical Our House, is perfectly cast as the reluctant lookout, just married and utterly revolted when told that self-abuse is a great way to keep warm on a blag. With the recent popularity of Life on Mars, the seventies setting almost inspires nostalgia, rather than seediness. Everything about this film is immensely enjoyable - but expect a bit of violence with your laughs.... Read Full Review »
5 / 5	Loved it ! Andrew I. Munro Sr. (Park City, Utah, United States) - 14 April 2008 I watched this, reluctantly, thinking it would be another Gangster movie in the Guy Ritchie mode. How wrong I was !! I was hooked from beginning to end, this movie was a true roller coaster ride, from laughs to thrills, it has it all. Plus to think it is based on fact, makes it even more fascinating. Although I am sure Princess Margaret is turning in her grave !! Performances were great, this movie is truly one for your collection.
4 / 5	Great Film in the Trad Brit style Sally Wilton "Sally" (Bournemouth UK) - 11 March 2008 I really liked this film despite the poor reviews in the papers by some critics. The film starts with 'Our hero' Terry (Second hand car lot owner) having his stock smashed up by some dodgy money lender monkeys. In desperation he goes along with his old school friend Ms Love's plan to rob a bank by the old 'dig a tunnel from the closed down shop opposite' method when the bank alarm system is down. All is far from what it seems to these likeable robbers and without spoiling the plot can say it involves Royalty, Dishonest Cops, Trinidadian Drug Barons and Porn kings as well as brothel owner Sonia - oh and some MPs and MI5!! It is all a true story and I thoroughly enjoyed it from begining to end. Lots of 70s period detail and the behind the scenes action by the Police that looks hilariously amateurish by todays standards- well I hope they have improved their detection skills since then. If you are old enough to remember the 1970's and a series called Budgie with Adam Faith you will love this.... Read Full Review »
5 / 5	I loved this film! Mrs. N. Freake "nicolabanwell" (Somerset UK) - 5 June 2008 This was one of the most enjoyable films I have seen in a long time. I loved that it was British and not the usual kind of film that we get. Seeing so many familar faces was great too. It reminded me very much of Snatch and that is my favourite film ever! We need more like this in my opinion.
5 / 5	Classic and British. 10/10 Wise Buyer "Keeping it real" (UK) - 12 June 2008 What can you say other than a very enjoyable film portraying London small time criminals doing the 'Big One'. Certainly had me entertained for the full 107 minutes. Great casting fantastic story, great props. Historical, entertaining and 70s BRITISH!. Definitely one to have in your collection for sure. Buy it, rent it, steal it, whatever it you definitely must 'ave it!