I was lucky to see this film at a screening and really enjoyed it. A totally unpretentious script with great performances from a British cast that includes some of my favourite comedy actors, John Thomson, Dave Spikey, Neil Fitzmaurice and John Henshaw to name but a few,. The film is set around a struggling scrap business in Liverpool and things go from bad to worse when the head of the family, Les Parr (John McArdle) takes out a loan from the local bad guy Vinny (John Henshaw). With little hope of paying the loan back and not reading the small print Les puts the whole business and everyone's future in jeopardy. The film then embarks on a treasure hunt that includes secret diaries and lost gold. There are a few bits in the film that the makers could have done better but overall the film is shot nicely and has some great one-liners. I have been a fan of Neil Fitzmaurice and his writing ever since "Phoenix Nights" and I am sure that fans of that show will enjoy Charlie Noades R.I.P as it has the same kind of feel and a good smattering of the Phoenix Night cast. I think that the film is the sort that will grow on people and do honestly think it could become a classic. Well done to all for making a warm, funny and uplifting film, it makes a change from poorly scripted British gangster movies or costume dramas. It is the closest film to an old Ealing Comedy I have seen for years. I am looking forward to its release for a second look, as I am sure I missed a lot first time round.
