Best Laid Plans

"Best Laid Plans" is a gripping film loosely based on the Steinbeck novel "Of Mice and Men". Don't worry, the story differs considerably enough that nothing is spoiled if you're up on your Steinbeck. The story is woven around an odd pair: the mentally challenged gentle giant "Joseph" (phenomenally played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, whom you may remember as the very different Mr. Eko in "Lost") and his guardian, the small-time crook "Danny" (Stephen Graham).

The two seem to have a modestly idyllic life, pulling off small capers to make a living and fishing at the local canal. But due to Danny's involvement with the wrong crowd, he gets into a jam where the only way out is for him to submit his buddy Joseph to a very brutal criminal occupation.

The character development and evolution of each man is what makes this interesting to watch. Danny is plagued by guilt for what he is doing to his friend and slowly descending into drug abuse (coke, not meth like in my title--but hey, clever wordplays don't come easy). Kind-hearted Joseph is profoundly altered by the violence he is subjected to. At the same time, each man finds his own love interest, each woman mirroring the harshness and innocence of the 2 men.

"Best Laid Plans" runs the full spectrum of bleakness, brightness, darkness and charm. It begins with a mildly comedic scene but quickly turns heavy when we realize what is at stake. From then on, the film gets heavier and darker, but it remains peppered with some charming & heartwarming scenes involving Joseph. The extreme contrast makes the film unpredictable, suspenseful and sometimes beautifully disturbing. It's the director's ability to mix the two extremes--beauty & brutality--that makes this a poetic experience. If you like character-driven stories set in a tense, gritty environment, then check this one out.

By the way, if you happen to be a pitbull lover (the dog, not the rapper), definitely check this out because it makes a great metaphor for those gentle, lovable mutts who, simply due to their physique and eagerness to please, are subjected to human brutality just like Joseph. I'm sure the metaphor can apply to many things as well. This film will keep you thinking for a long time.

One can pay all the usual compliments to British Film Making e.g underplayed, gritty,thoughtful, etc. but I think this movie is exceptional. The story line is well crafted and the acting from all participants, is superb. The "Mentally Disabled" roles played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Maxine Peake are sensitively portrayed and Stephen Graham is,as always,brilliant! The fight scenes are particularly "Squirm Making"and the dreary Nottingham scenics were well chosen and cleverly filmed. I find it hard to believe that it only rates 6 on the IMDb site! Great work from you British Film Makers Keep'em coming!

This really is very good but I think they've misjudged the trailer. This isn't really a gangster thriller or a fighting movie - it is actually a reimagining/reworking of Of Mice and Men.

A petty criminal, Danny (Stephen Graham), cares for a giant of a man with learning difficulties, Joseph (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje). When Danny gets in trouble with a local crime boss he persuades Joseph to take part in a series of illegal cage fights in order to pay off his debt. OK, so far it sounds like a gangster/fighting flick, I grant you, but what has been left out of the trailer is the sub plot about Joseph falling in love with a young woman, also with learning difficulties, played by Maxine Peake.

I say 'learning difficulties' as I have no idea what the acceptable terminology is these days. Special needs? Luckily the film is down-to-earth and honest and doesn't pussyfoot around like I am. The characters speak as they would in real life, which does result in one very funny line which everyone in the audience laughed at but wouldn't dare repeat outside of the cinema*.

The subplot is handled with skill and care. The actors all turn in fine performances, especially Stephen Graham as the quick-witted but ultimately self-destructive central character and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as the simple giant, Joseph. Their relationship, as you discover more and more about it, it utterly believable and is the central spine of the whole film. It's not a life changer but it is fine piece of work and well worth checking out if you get the chance.

After waiting for Danny (Graham) to pay off his debt the local mob boss (O'Hara) is ready to settle up right now. After Danny's large and strong but feeble minded friend Joseph (Akinnuoye-Agbaje) steps in and saves him. The mob boss offers Danny a way out. All he has to do is let Joseph fight in underground cage fights until Danny's debt is paid. This is a dark and depressing updated version of "Of Mice And Men" mixed with a more serious version of "Snatch". The acting is good and the movie itself is very good and very watchable. Like most British movies I have seen there are scenes of intense action that keeps you glued mixed in with scenes that tend to drag on a little bit longer then needed and you start to lose interest in parts. I am in no way saying that this is a bad movie at all because I did like it, but the flow wasn't smooth to me. Danny reminded my a lot of Tony Montana in this movie in the way that you want to root against him, but find yourself rooting for him and want him to succeed. That may just be me though. Overall, a serious and somewhat slow moving "Snatch" like version of "Of Mice And Men" that is worth a watch. I thought it was good. I give it a B.

This is film making, not movie making and if you don't understand the difference you might struggle to understand the film.

There are no bombs, flames or explosions but there is plenty of grit, pathos and some tidy cinematography.

Because of or in spite of the dreariness of the location where most of it was filmed, Tragic Nottingham ? Dunno, but it fits well.

The opening shot of Stephen Graham is worth the price of admission alone and from that shot you know what you're supposed to be going to get.

Sadly and all too often, such promise quickly fades but not here. The cast keep it tight enough to hold your interest and loose enough for the dialogue to be relaxed and natural, right through to the inevitable end.

This is in no short measure down to the talented cast, held together by Stephen Graham, another British actor from over here, who's doing rather well over there.

MORE like this, please, film makers.