Marching Powder

I'm sort of glad that "Marching Powder" has been released just so I don't have to see the trailer anymore. For a British film, this has to be one of the more heavily advertised films I've ever seen - so much so that I almost didn't feel the need to actually see it, I'm so familiar with it's comedy beats.

Jack (Danny Dyer) has enjoyed a life of drugs, lager, porn and football violence for most of his life. Arrested following a fight in Grimsby, he avoids jail on the understanding that he'll start to turn his life around. Truth be told, Jack is starting to consider that perhaps he's getting too old for this life anyway. He's relationship with wife Dani (Stephanie Leonidas) is struggling due to emotional absence and his lack of libido. His father-in-law (Geoff Bell) hates him, and his son (Arty Dyer) is starting to show worrying signs of following in his father's footsteps. But will his friends, and his own anger issues, allow him to change?

The familiarity of the film perhaps extends beyond the oft repeated trailer. Both Dyer and Nick Love have been making films and TV in this South London; casuals; drugs and violence genre for years, with neither perhaps finding the respect they are due for continuing to work, if nothing else. "Marching Powder" is a little different because, despite how the adverts have mocked romantic comedies, that's what the film really is. It hinges not on whether he will avoid prison, but can he save his marriage. There are sub-plots though, some of which contain some genuinely disturbing moments that work alongside the comedy.

Dyer is quite good in this. Admittedly he's playing an aging out 'wide boy', whilst at the same time aging out of playing 'wide boys'. But it's a gutsy performance that exposes himself quite a bit.

Ultimately, like a lot of Love's films I've felt, it doesn't really add up to all that much. It hinges on a moment of violence that should, perhaps, be the final push that Jack needs but, ultimately, we do leave him pretty much as we found him. There are a few laughs along the way though.

I'm probably the demographic that this film is aimed at, middle aged male who loves the match, dressing in good clobber and has enjoyed his fair share of lads nights out and away days.

But... Marching Powder is a deceiving film. The lad culture in the film feels very shoe horned in (because it's a Nick Love film it's got to have that I suppose) it didn't add anything ti the film itself other than to give them a reason to have the main character in court - which they could've done a thousand different ways. Not Dyer or Love's greatest, but maybe that was the point. The character was too old for all that bollocks. It's time to grow up.

Anyone paying to watch this movie should be very aware of 1. What type of movies the director has previously put out, and 2. What type of movies Danny Dyer has put out. If you are keen on the rough, close to the bone language and violence, you will enjoy this movie. It's akin to football factory but with a better, more grown up storyline. If you're rating Marching Powder low, then the mistake is on your part. It's exactly what you should expect, and was very enjoyable.

The supporting characters are all spot on and add to the Essex gangster no nonsense script.

Danny Dyer, legend of the Dickie.

Marching Powder: A laugh a minute serious comedy, the serious elements are rather dark. Jack (Danny Dyer) is 45, a cokehead, heavy drinker, still into getting into fights with rival football firms. His mates really lead him astray, so he claims. He is arrested, up before the beak who gives him 6 weeks to clean his act up or it's prison time. Jack still loves his wife Dani and his son but it's hard to stay straight. Especially when his father in law wants him to look after his crazed brother in law who has a habit of attacking and robbing drug dealers. Dani also wants more from life and goes back to Art College. An extremely violent, foulmouthed film, a romcom, a dark comedy, just a comedy anyway at times. The backstory really demands for Jack and Dani to be 35 for it to make sense but even the great Danny Dyer can't pass for 35 without CGI. Still, it's worth watching. Written and Directed by Nick Love. 6.5/10.

'Marching Powder' is exactly what one would expect from a Danny Dyer (and Nick Love) movie. I'm a little split on how I feel about it though. Most of the comedy is quite lazy and forced, though a couple of jokes did get a chuckle out of me; e.g. Dagenham.

The fourth wall breaking is questionable, it kinda works for a few moments but is mostly ill-fitting and cringey. On the other hand, there is surprisingly one touching scene; it involves Kenny Boy on the blower, I genuinely felt it in the feels - very unexpected for a movie of this sort.

As for the cast, Dyer is mostly good in the lead role; far from perfect, but he gives largely what you'd anticipate. Stephanie Leonidas does well, while Calum MacNab is initially iffy as the aforementioned Kenny but ends up being one of the better aspects of this 2025 release.

All things considered, I think I do have to file this one under 'average' - rather than 'good'. It's somewhat of a close call granted, but I do believe that the cons outweigh the pros. The deciding factor is the plot, which basically finishes as it starts; barely any progress is made.