High Heels and Low Lifes *** (2001, Minnie Driver, Mary McCormack, Danny Dyer, Kevin McNally, Michael Gambon) – Classic Movie Review 877

Minnie Driver (playing Shannon) and Mary McCormack (as Frances) try hard as a feisty duo who uncover a bank vault robbery and then plot to blackmail the crooks. If they stumble, it’s because of the clunky script they’re having to work from.

For, alas, this old-style 2001 British crime caper comedy, written by Kim Fuller and based on a story by Fuller and Georgia Pritchett, is silly, unreal and not too funny, though it does have its moments.

It’s a shame that an over-indulgent Mel Smith directs with little flair or style, giving the actors too much rope to hang themselves with.

The likeable Driver and McCormack show quite a lot of comedy flair and talent, and form an amusing double act…

…Danny Dyer and Kevin McNally help out as a couple of the low lifes, Mason and Danny…

…But Michael Gambon is very annoying as the camp crook Kerrigan.

Also in the cast are Mark Williams, Darren Boyd, John Sessions, Hugh Bonneville, Julian Wadham, Simon Scardifield, Len Collin, Jane Partridge, Jason Griffiths, Mark Meadows, Ben Walden and Mike Attwell.

Smith died of a heart attack aged 60 on July 19 2013. He directed four other movies, The Tall Guy, Radioland Murders, Bean and Blackball.

http://derekwinnert.com/bean-classic-film-review-791/

© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Film Review 877 derekwinnert.com