The Last Yellow

To many viewers this film will have little resonance. But it taps into a now little known, and increasingly forgotten, side of English life of the 1980s and 1990s. Back then there was mass unemployment and loads of "spare" blokes without much purpose. I knew this world well, lived it, and so did many of my mates mooching between pub, bookies and high street or just sitting on a bench somewhere having a laugh, making a few quid last for hours. This film made me laugh out loud, especially the hapless pizza moped bloke, I'm ashamed to admit. "On Her Majesty's social security" a wonderful play on the 007 franchise and true to the Walter Mitty-esque world of the main protagonist. Great soundtrack as well, "just the two of us" :-)

I got this out of my local video shop, having read an article by the director defending the film and saying the press had killed it. I felt sorry for him. All I can say is, if the press destroyed this film they must have done it by changing all the words of the script before it was shot, forcing all the actors to be as unlikeable and stupid as possible, and getting behind the camera to make sure it was never quite in the right place. There's a montage of "Swinging London" in this that would not be out of place in Summer Holiday. If it's supposed to be ironic, it doesn't work. It just makes you yearn for Cliff.

This film is a kind of ensemble piece but not in that talking loud verbal battles in one room kind of way. It's rather that here are distinctive personalities instead of everyone being cool (or being the ones the cool ones pick on) as is the way in so many films. These characters are very fallable. There's who Frank still lives with his Mum on the dole and when she finally throws him out, the sons at his boarding house, one who'se life was wrecked in a violent attack and the other who, with little conception of reality, was too scared to anything when it happened. It's not heavy though, but very warm and funny, just stripped of the glamour and glitz of most films out there. It turns into a sort of thriller and doesn't fall flat as these films can that start by observing with humour then try to hold onto the humour while adding suspense. Alongside Gregory's Two Girls and Stiff Upper Lips, another very enjoyable, well-made British comedy.

They don't make 'em like that anymore! The old ones are still the best ones. Following the Carry On model where low budget is the natural home of traditional Brit humour The Last Yellow blends a fine ensemble cast of believable actors in a far fetched plot. I applaud the use of vernacular working class natural dialogue, sentimental twists and touches here and there, and a strong central performance by Mark Addy. Kenneth Cranham makes an appearance as a cantankerous bitter grandad while Charles Creed-Miles gives a delightful sensitive foil to Addy's bravado.

The story maybe a bit stretched and slender but the editing is smooth and well paced. In particular the trip to London and sightseeing scenes are extremely well done. The musical numbers are well chosen and Engelbert Humperdinck's vocals add a deliciously ironic background to Addy's acting.

Highly enjoyable and entertaining.

Paul Tucker's debut into film (from theatre) was a delight to watch. The movie had me laughing (and cringing) from the outset, with Mark Addy's character (Frank) trying to get attention from other drinkers in a Working Man's Club. You quickly get an idea of Frank's lonely character from this scene. The double-edged humour continues throughout the film, often making the audience laugh out loud, although I found myself tearful during a poignant black and white 'flash-back' looking back on Kenny's (Charlie Creed Miles) childhood. Frank and Kenny form an unusual friendship which comes close to breaking point when Jackie (Samantha Morton) comes into the frame. Jackie is a hard-nosed Londoner who uses her feminine charms to try and foil Frank and Kenny's plans of revenge on her boyfriend, Donut. The Last Yellow is a great Brit hit, I recommend you all see it. The movie also has a great soundtrack! Due for release on Friday 10 December 1999.