I remember seeing this film once, and not only did I need to see it again, but I noticed I hadn't written a review of it, so it a case of all over again. Basically failed parole, or probation, officer Simon Garden (Steve Coogan) witnesses a murder in a store room, committed by one of Manchester's leading police constables, Detective Inspector Burton (King Arthur's Stephen Dillane). After escaping, Simon managed to drop his wallet containing identification at the crime scene, so he has been framed for the murder by Burton. The only proof he knows of to prove his innocence and Burton's guilt is the CCTV security camera footage on a video tape, locked inside a bank vault. With the help of ex-criminals George (Gandhi's Om Puri), Jeff (Sleepy Hollow's Steven Waddington) and Colin (Ben Miller), whom Simon paroled, and love interest Emma (Lena Headey), they plan to break into the bank and steal this video tape to clear his name. Also starring Jenny Agutter as Sarah Bonderenko - Victor's Wife, Emma Williams as Kirsty, Simon Pegg as Deflated Husband, Omar Sharif as Victor and Julia Davis as Insinuating Wife. I can see what the critics mean by the film trying to recapture the days of the British Ealing comedy crime caper, and it nearly manages it. Coogan is as good as what you see on TV, his range of co-stars are a alright, and there are some good moments that will get some giggles, so I might watch it again in the future. It was nominated the BAFTA for the Carl Foreman Award for the Most Promising Newcomer for writers Coogan and Henry Normal. Worth watching!
Review of The Parole Officer
