The Last Yellow

This is a very dark and entertaining story about two no-hopers from the North of England who travel South to attempt a murder. Very dark, and very, very funny.

Paul Tucker's debut into film (from theatre) was a delight to watch. The movie had me laughing (and cringing) from the outset, with Mark Addy's character (Frank) trying to get attention from other drinkers in a Working Man's Club. You quickly get an idea of Frank's lonely character from this scene. The double-edged humour continues throughout the film, often making the audience laugh out loud, although I found myself tearful during a poignant black and white 'flash-back' looking back on Kenny's (Charlie Creed Miles) childhood. Frank and Kenny form an unusual friendship which comes close to breaking point when Jackie (Samantha Morton) comes into the frame. Jackie is a hard-nosed Londoner who uses her feminine charms to try and foil Frank and Kenny's plans of revenge on her boyfriend, Donut. The Last Yellow is a great Brit hit, I recommend you all see it. The movie also has a great soundtrack! Due for release on Friday 10 December 1999.

To many viewers this film will have little resonance. But it taps into a now little known, and increasingly forgotten, side of English life of the 1980s and 1990s. Back then there was mass unemployment and loads of "spare" blokes without much purpose. I knew this world well, lived it, and so did many of my mates mooching between pub, bookies and high street or just sitting on a bench somewhere having a laugh, making a few quid last for hours. This film made me laugh out loud, especially the hapless pizza moped bloke, I'm ashamed to admit. "On Her Majesty's social security" a wonderful play on the 007 franchise and true to the Walter Mitty-esque world of the main protagonist. Great soundtrack as well, "just the two of us" :-)

10 to make the score higher. Real score 7. It's very subtle movie on every level and involves some recognition of the world portrayed, or else the characters may be too bland. They do after all inhabit a boring world. I thought the dialogue was OK, despite people saying otherwise. It was natural and did the job. It provided a dead pan humour as lines were played straight. It did have space for more interesting plot and some twists and turns but the padding was OK. It was a little predictable and nothing new or interesting is to be found. The ending could have been better. Seems to split people down the middle. I've seen a lot worse. Mark Addy did a good job. I don't know why it wasn't more successful. Maybe after lock stock people seen this as an inferior version of that style.

They don't make 'em like that anymore! The old ones are still the best ones. Following the Carry On model where low budget is the natural home of traditional Brit humour The Last Yellow blends a fine ensemble cast of believable actors in a far fetched plot. I applaud the use of vernacular working class natural dialogue, sentimental twists and touches here and there, and a strong central performance by Mark Addy. Kenneth Cranham makes an appearance as a cantankerous bitter grandad while Charles Creed-Miles gives a delightful sensitive foil to Addy's bravado.

The story maybe a bit stretched and slender but the editing is smooth and well paced. In particular the trip to London and sightseeing scenes are extremely well done. The musical numbers are well chosen and Engelbert Humperdinck's vocals add a deliciously ironic background to Addy's acting.

Highly enjoyable and entertaining.