Review:
Our opinion on Alan Patridge's film and soundtrack

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa (15)

So, another beloved sitcom character takes the step up to a full-length feature (yes; it's an extender) – typically a prospect boring enough to make one dismantle a Corby trouser press.

Fear not. Alan hasn't gone to Hollywood, into politics or to outer space. He's stayed in Norwich. He's not an action superstar; he's Alan Partridge.

Steve Coogan slips back into his signature role as comfortably as if it were a pair of string-back driving gloves. Partridge is perhaps the least cinematic 'hero' ever to grace the silver screen, and this is knowingly played for laughs; any time the film swells towards mawkish drama, it is soon undercut by one of Alan's textbook mundane moments.

This is embodied by the bravura opening title sequence: as bold Hollywood credits sweep across the screen, Alan sits in unflinching close-up, earnestly and camply miming along to the rousing 80s soundtrack. Already, the audience was belly-laughing so hard they practically had Kenco running out of their nostrils.

The action movie plot (Alan acts as negotiator during a siege at his radio station; let battle commence) never swamps the character; it just heightens Alan's inherent ridiculousness.

The biggest laughs are typical Partrigean gems: nonchalant speculation on the existence of clever bus drivers and a surprising revelation about bovine anatomy both hit the back of the net.

In short, Coogan and his writing partners continue to live and breathe one of Britain's finest comedy creations. To use the words of Shakin' Stevens: “lovely stuff”.

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa – The Original Movie Soundtrack

MANY great film soundtracks have claimed their places in history by giving the listener a chilling insight into the mind of an unhinged central character. Taxi Driver, American Psycho or Mamma Mia, for example. But are you prepared to enter the mind of Alan?

Much like the film itself, the Alpha Papa soundtrack undercuts high drama and heartstring-tugging with the superficial and mundane. Hence, cinematic soundscapes by Philip Glass and Ilan Eshkeri sit alongside cheap-sounding 80's synth-pop classics and oddities such as the themes to Ski Sunday and Black Beauty (great as background music while tidying after an unsuccessful party).

There are a couple of almost euphoric moments courtesy of dimly-remembered hits by John Farnham and Roachford that have stood up surprisingly well – and which take on a joyously comical slant after seeing the film.

A smattering of dialogue from the film is included, varying from the meaningless and out-of-context to quoteable one-liner hilarity, but the overall kitsch novelty will soon wear off.

However, if you can somehow abandon your pride and achieve Alan's complete lack of self-awareness, there's plenty to enjoy.

Both reviews by Andy Morris

- Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa shows at Rugby Theatre on October 4 and 5.

Share This

Regional entertainment »