Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa Review

Director: Declan Lowney.

Cast: Steve Coogan, Felicity Montagu, Colm Meaney, Tim Key, Nigel Lindsay, Simon Greenall, Phil Cornwell, Monica Dolan, Sean Pertwee, Anna Maxwell Martin, Darren Boyd.

Running Time: 90 minutes.

Certificate: 15.

Synopsis: When North Norfolk Digital is bought by a heartless, profit driven conglomerate, longtime DJ Pat Farrell (Colm Meaney) is fired. Armed and angry, he holds the station staff hostage. Only one man can help – Alan Partridge (Steve Coogan). As the face of the siege, he realises he could use the situation to help his failing career.

There is a rich history of iconic British TV comedies making the leap to the big screen and falling on their arse. And not in a funny way. From STEPTOE & SON and DAD’S ARMY to THE LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN and BOTTOM, there is a lineage of fantastic shows that became films that are as funny as a fishing hook through the nipple – which coincidentally happened in the BOTTOM movie, GUEST HOUSE PARADISO. Does ALPHA PAPA suffer the same fate? No. It’s ruddy, bloody good. Whether you’re an Alan aficionadi (plural) or just want to see what your Partridge praising pals have been so excited about, you’ll find much to enjoy.

There is plenty of ‘Textbook Alan’ on hand, with his trademark mannerisms and instantly quotable dialogue. Armando Iannucci et al have done a remarkable job of transferring Coogan’s most beloved character to multiplexes without losing his essence, although he does look a bit younger here than in his recent shows. Having said that, the continuity reaching through his radio and television appearances and even in his autobiography is such that fans will be air-drumming with delight.

Some of the finest characters in the Partridge-verse are well represented, including Sidekick Simon (Tim Key) and the very welcome return of Geordie Michael (Simon Greenall) and rival DJ Dave Clifton (a scene stealing Phil Cornwell). But the revelation is Felicity Montagu as Alan’s long-suffering PA, Lynn. Montagu provides the real soul of the film, acting as Alan’s conscience and moral barometer. Director Declan Lowney pulls on the character’s history from the show and develops her bond with Alan in a manner which is oddly touching. ALPHA PAPA is surprising in that it has more heart than one might expect, particularly when we get glimpses of Alan’s attitudes to his estranged children. In between the beautifully truncated dialogue are fleeting moments of true poignancy which may catch you off guard, in particular when Alan is disarmed by a police officer and asked what his final words might be.

The supporting cast are all on the money. Monica Dolan gives an understated and charming performance as potential love interest Angela, Nigel Lindsay revels playing corporate douchebag Jason, and Sean Pertwee, Anna Maxwell Martin and Darren Boyd are all suitably stoic as the put-upon police officers. Out of all the newcomers to the franchise it is Colm Meaney who gets the meatiest stuff as poor Pat Farrell, making us sympathise with his gun-toting antagonist. As the siege progresses, Alan finds the newfound attention could be a shot in the arm of his career. But will he betray his old colleague Pat and fall for the devilish charms of corporate sod, Jason? There is something of a tug-of-war for Alan’s soul and he really does develop as a character throughout the film, as well he should. Had the movie ended with his status quo unchanged, it would hardly warrant anything more than a TV special.

It’s not perfect. Things start to lose their way in the third act and the denouement is tonally peculiar, not quite knowing whether to commit fully to the sentimentality and drama or stick with the slapstick that creeps in during the second half. There are moments that just seem too MR. BEAN for this particular film – a sequence in which Alan snags his trousers seems notably shoe-horned in – but these are minor quibbles in what is predominately a comedic triumph.

It is of course Coogan’s film. He is clearly at home in his creation’s (rather flakey) skin and channels the very worst of Noel Edmonds and Jeremy Clarkson to teeth-grindingly brilliant effect. We shan’t spoil any of the delicious dialogue, but there are some gems in there that will sit comfortably with the often-quoted lines in his back catalogue. Coogan’s eyes, hand movements and slight curl of the lip connote Alan’s all-round awkwardness and misplaced self-confidence; his is a masterful comic performance that will have you noticing new ticks and nuances on each rewatch.

While ALPHA PAPA doesn’t reach the heights of I’M ALAN PARTRIDGE, it is a damn fine film that shows the character has plenty of longevity. Whether this is better suited to the silver or little screen is a matter for debate. But if this turns out to be Alan Partridge’s only cinematic adventure, it is as noble and successful as he will never be.

 ALAN PARTRIDGE: ALPHA PAPA is released in UK cinemas on Wednesday 7th August.