ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE MIDLANDS

Starring: Rhys Ifans, Robert Carlyle, Shirley Henderson, Finn Atkins, Kathy Burke and Ricky Tomlinson
Director: Shane Meadows
Running Time: 104 mins
Certificate: 15

Out to buy on DVD September 29th

After proposing to his girlfriend Shirley (Henderson) on national TV and then been turned down, Dek (Ifans) didn't think that things could get any worse. That was until Jimmy (Carlyle), the father of Shirley's daughter Marlene (Atkins), returns from Glasgow after three years with only one thing on his mind, winning back his family.

Shane Meadows' completes his 'Midlands trilogy', after Twenty Four Seven and A Room for Romeo Brass, is quirky British comedy at its best.

Paying homage to the classic western storyline of the bad seed returning to town, who then divides the loyalties of the townsfolk but setting it in the modern midlands. The western references come thick and fast, a standoff in a saloon, the local club, the shoot out at high noon, a fight, and the hero, Dek, even has a loyal steed in the form of 'Baby', his Max Powered Ford Sierra.

The performances are top notch. Ifans and Henderson play their parts superbly, with Ifans' cowardly hero been his best role in years. Robert Carlyle is the weakest of the three, as he never really brings nothing new to his usual Scottish hard man role. It is young actress Finn Atkins who steals the show however, bringing to the screen a very realistic portrayal of a twelve-year-old torn between her real father and the man she wants as her dad. Good support also comes from Kathy Burke and Ricky Tomlinson, who provide the comic relief.

It does loose its way abit in the second act with the introduction of some comedy outlaws seeking revenge. The subplot is never really resolved but the set up robbery does provide the chance for some cameos (Watch the end credits to see if you spotted them)

Proving again he is a writer/director to watch, Shane Meadows delivers a story and a group of characters that you both care about and want to do well. Funny, touching and wonderfully acted, this is one of the best British comedies in a long time.

Shane's World, Deleted Scenes, Cast Interviews, "Once upon a time around Britain" - 35 minute Documentary