GREENFINGERS (2000) / ***
Directed by Joel Hershman, from his screenplay. Starring Clive Owen, Helen Mirren, David Kelly. Running time: 91 minutes. This film is not yet rated by the MFCB. Reviewed on October 8th, 2001.
By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN
Synopsis: Inmate Colin Briggs (Owen) is transferred to an experimental open-air prison. There, he meets venerable Fergus Wilks (Kelly), who sparks in Colin a seemingly incongruous interest in gardening. Colin convinces the prison governor to allow him to start a flower garden on the grounds, bringing him in contact with expert Georgina Woodhouse (Mirren) and her lovely daughter Primrose (Natasha Little). Thanks to Georgina's influence, the convicts receive an invitation to a major gardening competition. But will their pasts catch up with them before the big day?
Review: "Greenfingers" is a good-natured British comedy very much in the vein of "Saving Grace". Indeed, both mingle gardening with criminal activity, and fans of the latter will likely find much to enjoy in the former. British comedy tends toward two extremes: movies filled with outlandish set pieces (like the "Monty Python" films) and movies in which the comedy arises directly from real life, without indulging in one-liners or awkward set-ups. "Greenfingers" is very much of this second type: the humour here is derived directly from the simple idea of a group of convicts taking an interest in gardening, and from the personalities of the chief players. Those raised on more sitcom-like fare may find this low-key approach dull, but audiences with a broader appreciation of comedy should find it thoroughly delightful and refreshing. Of course, this sort of movie is highly dependent on the performances of its leads in enabling us to relate to the circumstances. Fortunately, "Greenfingers" boasts several fine contributions, particularly from Clive Owen, whose Colin is sympathetic but nonetheless retains an edge which reminds us that he is, all the same, a criminal. Also highly enjoyable is Helen Mirren; although "Greenfingers" scarcely taps into the full range of her acting talent, Mirren is hilarious as a sort of British Martha Stewart.
Copyright © 2001 Shannon Patrick Sullivan. Archived at The Popcorn Gallery, http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sps/movies.html
| Shannon Patrick Sullivan | shannon@mun.ca | +---------------------------------+---------------------------------+ / Doctor Who: A Brief History of Time (Travel) go.to/drwho-history \ \__ We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the stars __/
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