Alibi

I will abstain from rating this 3 part movie because after watching part one I was so annoyed by the fatal plot flaw that I lost interest in watching the rest. The acting was good, the premise intriguing, but, from the beginning, the story revolves around the unlikely assumption that Marcey, the caterer, would put herself at risk by assisting a possible murderer, lying to the police and essentially becoming an accomplice. As the plot unfolds she gets in deeper and deeper ... why??? Why would any reasonable person do that? Sorry, I just couldn't buy it.

Would you ever imagine Sophie Okonedo doing farce laugh out loud comedy with Michael Kitchen? See Alibi and I dare you not to guffaw. It's dark and slow burning and actually turns into a romance. My only gripe is that there wasn't a sequel. Best thing Paul Abbott has written. He's a genius helped by Hal Lindes understated score, and Catherine Creed's editing. Brilliant!

STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All Costs

Alibi is a gripping and thoroughly engaging TV movie thriller,with believable characters in believable situations.This is given extra credence thanks to the realistic,down-to-earth performances from the two leads,Michael Kitchen and Sophie Okelondo.They are given no sassy dialogue or outlandish situations to perform with,which,in this instance,has been for the better.The story manages to keep you gripped over it's two part duration,with it's clever and entertaining twists and turns.Be warned,though,as it's not all great.The director allows the pace to drag a bit in parts,there is an unwelcome comedy element spewing over things and the ending is the very definition of anti climatic.Still,it's a very audacious and well made effort for ITV1 to herald,and is well worth catching if you haven't seen it already.***

Albi really does tick all the boxes, it's funny, entertaining, and allows for the cast to show off their incredible acting skills.

The story is a pretty simple one, a woman (Sophie Okonedo) returns to a the home of a man (Michael Kitchen) she had been waitressing at to collect her handbag, but when she arrives she thinks she's seen him kill someone.

ITV turned out some terrific one off dramas in the early 2000's, and this was one of the best. Nowadays we only seem to get series comprising of six parts, I miss these single dramas.

It walks the line between comedy and drama, it's very funny, but there's enough mystery to keep you intrigued. Kitchen and Okonedo are both incredible, they play one off another so well, the supporting cast are equally as good.

Favourite scene has to be where Greg has taken a few valium, and feels a little groggy, very funny.

It should have a commercial UK release. 9/10.

Very, very watchable. I discovered this TV movie 20 years after it first aired.. my loss of course but I am making up for lost time.

Being a Michael Kitchen fan prompted me to find and watch it and, at least to me, I cannot think of any other actor being able to take on the main role and make it work as well as it does - MK is brilliant in it.

Sophie Okonedo is also brilliant as the matching lead role and, once again to me, is utterly believable in her character - the world needs more Marcias!

I think some reviewers found the plot a little odd in that why would this young woman help in the way she does - well I feel it is because she can sense the desperation in the lead character and she feels sorry for him and believes in him.

All the actors did a fantastic job - yes, I suppose I wish the ending was slightly less rushed and we clearly have to make our minds up as to what may follow - being a softie I made my mind up.

Love this TV film - just love it!