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Stellar British
acting talent combine to make a typically British movie.
Nigel
Bell
In their heyday
the bringing together of Caine, Hemmings and Courtenay would be
akin to Clooney, Damon and Pitt teaming up in the forthcoming Ocean's
Eleven (ok maybe not quite as spectacular).
It's not a bad
combination in 2002 and when you throw Hoskins, Winstone and Mirren
into the melting pot it sets the juices flowing.
Indeed, the
first time you see the (male) cast members on screen together it's
quite heart stopping.
That said don't
expect Last Orders to be about the criminal underworld with
plenty of sarf London gangsters.
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| Steady,
we're not as young as we used to be |
This is a mellow
story which, through the use of flashback, tells the story of five
boozing buddies, four of whom are brought together to celebrate
the death of butcher Jack Dodds (Caine).
It's Jack's
wishes to have his ashes scattered into the sea off Margate pier.
So begins an almost road movie like trip from London to the coast.
During the drive
we learn more of the relationship between Dodds and his "son"
(Winstone), how Caine's character became friends with Hoskins and
what the latter's relationship is with Dodds wife (Mirren).
Sounds complicated
but it all unfolds in a typically British way.
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| So, how's
the new Prime Suspect series going? |
While never
being elevated above the ordinary this is nevertheless a good all
round film exploring the true value of friendship and family ties.
As you'd expect
of the cast, the acting is excellent. And while Last Orders
might be a celebration of ageing British talent, there's plenty
to look forward to in the next generation, with good performances
by those portraying the younger Caine, Hoskins and co.
Indeed, young
Jack Dodds, played by JJ Feild, has an uncanny resemblance to Caine
in his pre-movie war years.
Last Orders
isn't a premium bitter of film but it's still a good pint.
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