The Hot Potato

In 2011's 1969-based true-tale Brit dramedy "The Hot Potato" two East End London wide-boys, Ray Winstone (married to Louise Redknapp) & Jack Huston, come across a huge chunk of enriched uranium (as you do) that with Huston's gf Lois Winstone (Ray's actual daughter) via mob connection Colm Meaney & 'middle man' Derren Nesbitt (excellent) they look to sell to the highest bidder in Europe. A double crossing twisty caper ensues (also involving the CIA (David Harewood) & minor support from the likes of Stephen Marcus & Phil Davis). Debut writer / director Tim Lewinston does let the pace even out too much beyond halfway, but still, it's jaunty & enjoyable fare.

The trailer for this came up as a YouTube recommendation, have to say I'd never even heard of it, but watched the trailer and was intrigued, so purchased the blu ray.

Well, from start to finish, this was an absolute delight, great storyline, fantastic cast, everyone played their part superbly, great cinematography, well recorded sound wise, just brilliant entertainment.

There were twists aplenty, and there wasn't a dull moment throughout its running time.

How is it we can make great films like this, but they don't seem to catch the publics attention or imagination? I just don't get it, like I say I'd never heard of it, so perhaps it wasn't particularly well publicised?

I note some reviewers say they didn't like the music, I completely disagree apart from the end song which mentioned 1972! Whats that all about? It was great to hear The Carnaby's 'Jump and Dance', in there.

Cannot recommend this highly enough. Watch it!

I thought I might have found a gem when I came across this. Alas it's abysmal.

Gorgeously-shot geezer-fest with a lovely colour palette and a soft heart. It tells a simple, quite satisfying story and stars some top British actors - Winstone, Meaney etc. The film is enjoyable and warm- hearted, despite being a bit predictable in its plot. The violence is cartoonish and often funny, and the level of threat is minimal. Self-parodying at times, the film also recalls the Carry On films and sixties classics like Alfie and The Ipcress File (especially in the music - though The Ipcess File is much darker, obviously). The set design is always beautiful, with lots of period detail. There are some nice European locations too. Charming.

This film reminds me very much of The Italian Job as a traditional British comedy caper. The actors are very well cast and play their various characters extremely convincingly. Not the usual role for Ray Winstone but nevertheless a winning performance as Kenny. Jack Huston played a very convincing but not very worldly Danny and David Harewood was brilliant as the FBi agent who seemed to be able to appear through walls.Great twist to the end of the film

The European locations were very colourful and gave a greater depth to the movie. I particularly liked the old cars used and the car chase was wicked. All in all a great film for the family, no bad language no excessive violence, just a real good feel factor film. Buy it rent it enjoy!