Angry George Irons

George Irons is, as the title suggests, an angry man full of moaning and distain for everyone from socialists to capitalists, Catholics to atheists, single people to family men. Living with his wife in his house and drinking far too heavily for a man of his age and disposition, George is annoyed by the appearance of God in his house one night (appearing as a couple of windows in his house). After telling him to basically "b*gger off", George gets a visit from his guardian angel, who takes him on a journey to the place of judgement.

The basic animation could have put me off at the start but this film opened with enough rough humour to keep me with it long enough to get me into it. The story is pretty much a non-festive and very Northern version of A Christmas Carol which is simple but roughly amusing. The story is not as important as the script which is rough and enjoyable and very well delivered by the late Bryan Glover, who fits the character wonderfully (and credit to him for making this while still being an instantly recognisable star at the same time). His voice work is good and he buys into the character really well.

The film matches his approach (or rather vice versa) and it is very rough and ready in appearance – although it is still impressive and professional looking. It has a nice imagination to it as well, which it delivers while also keeping hold on the Northern roots that keep it all grounded. Overall then it is a good little short film that stands up well 15 years later. The animation looks rough and ready but actually it is impressive and imaginative stuff that benefits from a well-cast Glover.