This is another in the line of Brit gangster flicks that seem to be attracting backers money. To be honest, it doesn't add a lot to the genre apart from the fact it is set in Liverpool. Naturally this means that the script is given a scouse flavour and tinged with the humour that this city is renowned for. Some of it works, but other times it appears that what makes a good story in a pub doesn't quite transfer to the screen. I found it mildly amusing sometimes and other times cliched. The part with the bouncy castle should have left the laughter to the cinema audience and not the actors.
The main actors are believable as budding hoods and the scenes in the jail were well worked, albeit a little predictable. The story seemed competent till it got to the part where he met his girlfriend's father, I found this corny. Also I found it hard to believe that they would be so incensed by their arch rivals actions to react in such a heavy-handed manner, let alone kill him. Liverpool can be a tough city, but to execute someone for pouring a drink over you was a bit over the top. I felt overall that the script could have done with a more development before going into production.
Still, Going Off Big Time is worth seeing, especially if you have an affinity with Liverpool, and it was interesting to note that no one had a perm and a moustache and was drinking tea in times of crisis, which at least avoided one stereotype of the city.
Not as good as any of Guy Ritchie's, but still a credible addition to the Brit Gangster genre, which must surely be close to running its course.
