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It wasn't all beer and skittles for the robbers, though,
and even the best of them - like Dick Turpin - found himself
swinging from a gallows doing the Tyburn jig.
The trials and tribulations of being a highwayman have never
been better presented than the movie Plunkett and Macleane,
which follows the adventures of two gentlemen of the road
- Plunkett (Robert Carlyle) and Macleane (Jonny Lee Miller).
They are a mismatched pair of likeable rogues who join forces
out of necessity and go on a crime spree that brings them
infamy throughout England.
They rob the rich, and give to ... themselves ... and the
adventures they have are exciting and humourous.
In fact, Plunkett and Macleane is one of the best
movies released over the past decade, winning points for style,
action and a wicked sense of humour.
It looks very 18th Century but the director Jake Scott has
thrown in a very modern script and soundtrack, which will
have your feet, hands and head moving to the beat as though
you are in the throes of being hanged. Sorry, was that in
excess?
Carlyle is fantastic (gee, that's a surprise) as the lower-class
brains of the operation, while Miller is wonderful as the
former soldier turned vagabond.
The romantic interest is Liv Tyler, but don't expect a Catherine
Zeta-Jones-like Zorro performance, the gal just ain't
quite up to it.
Michael Gambon, of Singing Detective fame, is spot-on
as the pathetic old Lord Chief Justice - but the acting honour
goes to the film's baddie, Ken Stott as the Thief-Taker General.
He is truly evil and pursues the pair with relentless malevolence.
Plunkett and Macleane is film-making brilliance and
is an absolute must for any movie lover's collection.
Stand and Deliver? They did for sure!
Conclusion: Movie 90%, Extras 75%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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