User reviews

Shane Meadows' debut short film, 'Where's the Money, Ronnie?', tells a succinct, simple story - four men are interviewed by the police in the aftermath of a grotty, small town murder. There's not much story, not much in the way of fancy camera work either - but what does come to light is Meadows' ability to make human characters out of reprehensible losers, including the eponymous Ronnie, played by Meadows himself. The use of black and white was carried over into his first feature, 'TwentyFourSeven'. I might not have tipped him for greatness of the basis of this, but others did - and the result is one the best catalogues of modern British film.

That this short won awards beggars belief. It had possibilities but is hardly groundbreaking quality either in the way it has been shot or the script or the acting. Every critic seems to fall over themselves to laud Shane Meadows because his films represent a section of society that is not often shown. I admit this is the only piece I have seen by Meadows but it does not encourage me to seek out more of his work. His own performance in this as an actor is passable but is the best of a bad bunch. It is sad that stuff like this becomes a benchmark for other young filmmakers. It thinks its another Trainspotting but it is far from that. Working class movies do not have to be like this - there is more to the working class than crime and violence. It is patronising and insulting to portray English life this way. Avoid.

First saw this at 'Shots in the Dark' at Nottingham's Broadway cinema.

Fantastic. Shane was there showing off his new suit from the money for the short.

Great, realistic, gritty Nottingham comedy. Very Keystone Kops meets Sneinton.

The following ten years have seen 'Where's the Money, Ronnie' expanded into full length movies; Small Time and Once Upon a Time in the Midlands all build on the same premise of the lives and loves of the working class in the East Midlands of England.

Shane is smart and innovative. Where's the Money, Ronnie is a great start to his movie making career.

Simple, effective and dry as a waterless puddle. The true greatness of Shane is visually stamped up on and in your face in all it's monochromatic greyness. I have a friend called Ronnie who is not in fact a big fan of this film, whenever i see him i ask him 'Where's the money Ronnie' he laughed once but still i persist. I liked the stretch of pavement in this film, if you are a fan of stretches of pavement this is definitely a film for you. If you like badboy kick bottom bish bash bosh style dramatics,this one stomps like a stomper monster Apologies if this review is rather vague as to the plot but it is a long long time since last i saw it, i remember violence and plasters if that helps. 10 out of 10 Meadows. I'm a soon to come looking for you. Hail to thee from King Emperor Div himself.

May the smalltime rhyme be with you all