Review of Mr. Nice (2010) by Jon H — 30 Jan 2011

I first knew of this project back in 1997, so it's been a long wait whilst it went through development hell. Originally it would have been a BBC 6 part series, at one time to be directed by Justin Kerrigan of Human Traffic fame.

Rhys Ifans portrays Howard with conviction and charm and David Thewlis captures Jim The Kid McCann well too. That said Rose's script and direction doesn't seem to do the story justice and it all feels like a missed opportunity.

Having spent a month with Howard a few years back, I know there was more pathos and emotion to his life than is portrayed here, his capture for instance does not show the disturbance and pain that caused him.

All said, worth a watch.