Declan Lowney (director)
StudioCanal UK (studio)
15 (certificate)
90 (length)
02 December 2013 (released)
13 January 2014
After two television series, a chat-show, an autobiography and a web-series — 2013 was the year that Steve Coogan finally brought Alan Partridge to the silver screen. But the road from gogglebox to multiplex is far from smooth and strewn with failed attempts - the most recent being Harry Hill’s big-screen debut. Could North Northfolk’s premier radio D-Jock successfully make the perilous transition from the small screen?
Yes.
Yes, he could.
“Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa” is my comedy film of the year.
It is witty, blink-and-you-miss-it quick, tirelessly quotable and faithful to everything that has made Partridge great over the last two decades. The film manages to feel like a big-screen outing whilst keeping the charm (and to a large extent the scale) of the television outings. Coogan is on perfect form as Alan, making the slightest twitch, flinch or groan belly-achingly funny. Surrounding him is a strong cast of characters including Lynn (Felicity Montagu) and Michael the Geordie (Simon Greenall) who both make a welcome return after there absence from the “Mid-Morning Matters” series. Yes, it may have been 22 years since we were first introduced to Alan Partridge but the loveable narcissist somehow manages to remain funny and fresh.
Running to a mere 90 minutes, the film never allows itself to drag or dwell - and as a result rewards repeat viewings. In my opinion - the only problem with the film is it’s clunky title.
The Blu-ray and DVD editions of the movie have a number of extras including a making of, deleted scenes, bloopers as well as an audio commentary with Steve Coogan and writers Rob & Neil Gibbons.
The making of - entitled ‘Hectic Danger Days’ - is a comprehensive look into the development of the film from scripting to the on-location shoots in Norwich. Funny and insightful it is a pleasing look behind-the-scenes and shows the scale and difficulties that the movie brought to the crew and Coogan himself. The Deleted Scenes are also sure to be a fan-favourite and feature some comedy gems including an alternative opening to the film.
Endlessly quotable and tear-inducingly funny - Alan Partridge’s movie debut is everything that fans could have ever hoped for. Now there’s nothing left to say, except: “A-Ha!”
10/10
@JustAaronBrown
