GREENFINGERS
Reviewed by Harvey Karten Firework Pictures-Samuel Goldwyn Films Director: Joel Hershman Writer: Joel Hershman Cast: Clive Owen, Helen Mirren, David Kelly, Warren Clarke, Danny Dyer, Adam Fogerty, Paterson Joseph, Natasha Little, Peter Guinness, Lucy Punch
In a society that's increasing less tolerant of crime, calls are regularly sent out and political campaigns are based on demands for tougher sentences and for prisons that punish. "Greenfingers" is a refreshing antidote to such mindless chatter. Wearing his heart on his sleeve, Joel Hershman treats us to a movie based on a true story that punctuates the effect of a so-called country club institution on its inmates. "Greenfingers" is upbeat, a feel-good British light comedy with a couple of juxtaposed romances, but the enterprise is as prettified and bland as the lovely Primrose Woodhouse (Natasha Little), one of its rich young characters who inhabits the role of a repressed mama's girl longing for the strong arms of a handsome and unpredictable man.
Taking place in one of Britain's alternative prisons--which houses criminals who are specially chosen by their potential to redeem themselves though convicted of violent crimes like murder and rape--"Greenfingers" focuses on a robust fellow with exquisite leadership possibilities, Colin Briggs (Clive Owen). Jailed for accidentally killing his kid brother whom he had caught in flagrante with his fiance, Colin has spent more than half his life in prison and has given up on himself when by accident, he discovers that he has a green thumb. Having planted violets in a particularly barren little plot of land on the jailhouse grounds, he is as surprised as everyone else that his flowers have bloomed--as he, too, will in this by-the numbers picture which trots out the usual stereotypes. These caricatures include one kindly old feller, Fergus Wilks (David Kelly), who despite his charm had killed all three of his wives; a big, bald, tattooed type; and the youthful, impulsive Tony who seduces a most willing volunteer to the institution. Encouraged by Fergus to make use of their latent talent, four inmates make their little desert bloom, attracting the attentions of the stuffy horticulturist Georgina Woodhouse (Helen Mirren)--who encourages the men to strive ever onward by entering the annual Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.
Whether or not the men can garner some of the prizes bestowed by the aristocratic judges and hosts of that prestigious show, "Greenfingers" becomes a British version of "Waterboy," cultivated where the Adam Sandler vehicle is vulgar, but calculated and hackneyed nonetheless. Given the astonishing good looks of Clive Owen, this movie could turn out to be a chick flick, bringing in the romantic women to whom it's targeted, but to see Mr. Owen in this after his spellbinding turn in the far more developed "Croupier" is disheartening.
Not Rated. Running time: 90 minutes. (C)2001 by Harvey Karten, film_critic@compuserve.com
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