The Actors

Slight but fairly charming Dublin based comedy which features Michael Caine and Dylan Moran as a couple of thespians in a bizarre Nazi-influenced production of Richard III. After the deluded O'Malley (Caine) gets himself in a spot of bother with a gangland boss (Gambon, having a whale of a time) and devises a ridiculous plan to spirit away a suitcase full of cash, he calls upon the younger man's aid to execute his plan. Further complications (and narrative conveniences) are added when Tom (Moran) falls for the gangster's daughter (the radiant Headey).

Hamming it up like the guest of honour at a pork convention, Caine is agreeable if not entirely convincing and one gets the distinct impression that playing a crusty old lurvie is not too much of a stretch for him. Moran on the otherhand is much more impressive, spiriting away most of the best lines of the film. Truth be told, there's very little in The Actors that you haven't seen before and the formulaic nature of the material occasionally sells everyone a little short. Ultimately, though, thanks to the breezy performances and light tone adopted by McPherson, for once, familiarity doesn't breed contempt.