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Alan Partridge Review

By Lexi Feinberg

Coogan Town

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There is something great about a man who is most funny when he doesn't mean to be. Alan Partridge, a British radio/TV host created by Steve Coogan and Armando Iannucci over 20 years ago, brings more laughs to the big screen in the new comedy "Alan Partridge." While the film can't touch the seven-episode greatness of "Knowing Me, Knowing You," there is enough here for fans to enjoy.

Alan Partridge is a character that would fall on the cringe spectrum somewhere between Larry Sanders and Larry David. He is frequently the butt of jokes, while believing he is the master of them. Sometimes he is - but often he is funny because he is so insensitive and far removed from reality. He would be the British roommate on "The Real World" who thought he was loved by all in the house, until he tuned into the episodes later and saw the talking heads.

But onto the plot, which is super light. In Declan Lowney's feature, Alan (Coogan) is working at a local radio station in Norwich that has just been bought by a corporate media behemoth. His colleague Pat (Colm Meaney) is afraid he will be fired as a result, which is exactly what happens. So Pat comes back to the station, waving guns, and holds the staff hostage. Naturally, the police choose Alan to be the negotiator, even though it's a job better suited to a third grader.

The setup is weak but it throws everyone into an awkward situation in which comedy can emerge. Lynn (Felicity Montagu), Alan's long-suffering assistant, has a small role and takes some more abuse. There are lots of funny lines. ("The angels came and carried Molly away," Pat says about his deceased love, and shows someone her picture. "There must have been quite a few angels," he responds.) Also, Alan refers to Fleetwood Mac as "soft-rock cocaine enthusiasts" and offers this piece of advice: "Never criticize Muslims. Only Christians. And Jews, a little bit."

It's very British humor, which is always welcome. "Alan Partridge" is an extended, sometimes "very special" episode of a show more than a movie, and that's fine. Coogan is hilarious as Alan, with his foolish faces and hammy antics. There is no real story, but you'll have plenty of opportunities to watch Alan make an arse of himself, and that's really what you came to see anyway.

What did you think?

Movie title Alan Partridge
Release year 2014
MPAA Rating R
Our rating
Summary British buffoon Alan Partridge is back in the spotlight. He was missed.
View all articles by Lexi Feinberg
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