Review of Once Upon a Time in the Midlands (2002) by Tony P — 18 May 2018
I've not visited this film for a few years.
I can see why. It plays more like a television series than a film. The ingredients of a decent film are there in terms of a British cast.
Well known talent like Robert Carlyle, Ricky Tomlinson and Kathy Burke as well as mutterings of Reeves and Mortimer, the UK comic duo.
The music at times is meant to resemble the spaghetti western of similar name.
Robert Carlyle plays a Glasweigan hot head that immediately reminded me of his role as Begbie in the Trainspotting films.
The Trainspotting connection also continues with other casting.
Director Shane Meadows is known for making films in his Nottingham home. This movie is such an example.
The backbone of the film is the relationship history of Robert Carlyle (Jimmy) his 'ex' partner Shirley (Shirley Henderson) and her current partner Dek (Rhys Ifans).
The film does have some mildly comedic moments of quite shocking events but the film was average in my eyes.
A film to stay in the archives perhaps.
This review of Once Upon a Time in the Midlands (2002) was written by Tony P on 18 May 2018.
Once Upon a Time in the Midlands has generally received mixed reviews.
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