Stealing Chaplin

Holding the body of Charlie Chaplin ransom, two brothers in over their heads are the core focus of this feature from Paul Tanter. Stealing Chaplin sets out to display two brothers, Cal (Simon Phillips) and Terry (Doug Phillips), who do just that. They steal the body of Charlie Chaplin. Rather straightforward, but in practice, it proves rather difficult, not just for the brothers but for the director as well. How can an audience be expected to care for characters who are seen as uncharismatic conmen at the best of times, and layabout losers with money troubles and gangster woes at worst? Likeability is the key, but Tanter just doesn't have that for this duo.