Buster

Singer Collins stars in this simple film about a thief who successfully pulls off the biggest train robbery in history, who then decides to start a new life in Acapulco with his wife June (Walters). Well matched stars in lovely paced yarn with Oscar nominated tunes from Collins ("Two Hearts").

Played light but there's genuine feeling. Strong cast, Phil Collins works well in this role, as does he and Julie Walters as the hub of the movie: honest with the right touch of romance. She is great in this, as she usually is. There's naturalistic period detail: ketchup, grubby kitchens etc. First half is well-paced with real tension to the train robbery, much like a western but with just the right touch of London humour. Second half lags a little with some silly moments (drunken antics) but it's all the so-called dream heading for the inevitable reality check. Surprised it took this long for me to see it but being 13 when it came out it wasn't cool back then especially with it's music being so overplayed. Seeing it now in 2023 it feels familiar yet innocent and stronger as a UK crime movie than I'd expected. Even the music has become pleasing in a nostalgic way, 'Two Hearts' gave me goosebumps (that key change!).

'Buster (1988)' is mainly notable for starring Phil Colins and being the reason he created some of his most famous songs (such as 'Two Hearts', which plays over the credits). Inspired by the true story of "The Great Train Robbery" of 1963, in which a group of criminals robbed a Royal Mail train and made off with £1,000,000, this sort of romantic comedy spends most its time focusing on the aftermath of its infamous inciting incident. It follows Ronald Christopher "Buster" Edwards as he goes on the lamb and hides from the law, eventually finding a way to smuggle himself and his family out of the country. It's pretty much a family drama, more concerned with the dynamic between its protagonist and his wife than it is with the mechanics or ethics of his actions. Apparently, the feature was subject to controversy at the time of its release, with its most vocal critics claiming it glamourised - or, at least, downplayed - the supposedly vicious crime on which it is based (I say "supposedly" because it seems quite gentle as depicted here, although I'm sure some liberties were taken with it). I don't think such a response is particularly warranted, especially given the eventual outcome of the characters' actions; it's a typical case of conservative exaggeration in the hopes of cinematic censorship. However, the flick does depict its central character as a lovable rogue just doing what he can to get by. Although he isn't exactly the best husband, with behavioral tendencies that aren't just necessitated by current circumstance like he insists they are, he's ultimately portrayed as a harmless and big-hearted romantic with unrelenting love for those close to him. It's not so much a problematic interpretation as it is a surprising one, as the material doesn't exactly cry out for the light-hearted, almost rom-com treatment it receives. This is a sappy, sentimental affair with a beating heart and a romantic outlook, the opposite of the gritty gangster drama it so easily could have been. It's all just rather mild and, in many ways, it doesn't feel like it makes good use of the true story on which it's based. When it reaches its midpoint, it starts to stagnate after a change of scenery basically necessitates a change in pace. It basically spins its wheels while also feeling sort of xenophobic in some ways, even if being homesick isn't inherently the same as feeling superior to your current surroundings, and it loses what steam it initially had. It isn't bad, but its melodrama never quite connects as much as it should and it also isn't particularly funny. Still, it's consistently watchable and is relatively well-made. Collins is likeable enough as the leading man, and Julie Walters gives a good performance while somehow feeling vaguely overqualified for her role. The 60s period setting is believably recreated, with the grime of London's streets being enhanced by the damage to the film stock itself. It's basically a well-produced TV movie in style and tone, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's quaint, almost a relic of a lost era. It isn't great, nor even all that interesting, but it's enjoyable enough for what it is.

This movie was a big hit at the cinema when it was first released and then again as a video rental....Those were the days! The soundtrack was also a big hit and most of the songs were chart hits on the back of the movie, and not just the Phil Collins songs who was at the height of his popularity as a solo artist at the time. The story and movie itself is far from being as bad as some of the reviews here make out, its an upbeat movie for the most part and still watchable. Phil Colins can act, although he hasn't really had the chance to show that in very many roles since. The fact that you could pick this movie up free on DVD recently with a newspaper and if you missed that offer can pop into any Poundland in the UK and pick it up for a pound (on a double bill with Diamond of Jeru) I'd recommend you looking it up...even only if its to hear that great soundtrack again..5/10

I remember watching Buster one afternoon at High School during the fag end of term time before summer holidays. The opening scene with the dust bin going through the window raise quite a cheer!

Buster is a typical sort of British crime film that is not actually as bad as its detractors will insist, but neither as good as its champions try and tell you. It supposedly recounts the infamous Great Train Robbery of 1963 from the perspective of Ronald 'Buster' Edwards - probably the most well known participants, although not the most important. Just a pity then the planning and execution of 'the job' only takes up about twenty minutes.

The remaining running time, before and after the Robbery, including a fairly lackadaisical police pursuit, and the extended holiday in Mexico, is a dull kitchen sink drama between Phil Collins and his beloved Julie Walters; she's the long suffering wife; he's the lovelable rogue, heart of gold, good family man, lives by 'respect', etc.

In other words, Buster sets the template for any or all of the cheeky chappy Mockney geezers in the endless cycle of runabouts and capers we would see a decade later.

Given the level of talent involved the acting is generally quite good - but it could have been better; Walters's incessant whinging soon grates; Collins isn't bad in the lead role, but he doesn't make much of an impact either. The soundtrack is OK, but overall I'd say Buster was a bit of a chore to sit through.

That the film downplays the violence of the robbery, the critical injuries sustained by train driver Jack Mills, the threats to Post Office staff, and the unsavoury background of the principals - most were professional criminals who did not baulk at using force, and were who were aware of the risks of who they were ripping off - caused great contraversy at the time. Sure, one or two minor members may have been unjustly sentenced, but I'd question how much public sympathy there was for these 'Robin Hoods' when the extent of Mr Mills's ordeal became known.

Try Bank Heist, Thief, The League of Gentlemen or The First Great Train Robbery if you want to see a decent heist movie with a lot more tension and comedy. Compared to these gems, Buster is a bit of a letdown.