The Parole Officer (2001)

Tied for the best movie I have ever seen

A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

Simon Garden is an annoying Parole Officer who tries to see the best in everyone, fills them with inspirational anecdotes and hope that they'll see the error of her ways, however, as it is hardened criminals he deals with it is about as successful as a Bush Presidency. Forced out by his colleagues at Blackpool he is offered a position in Manchester, but things here go from bad to worse as he witnesses a corrupt cop kill an accountant and is forced out from there as well. As he recalls that the security system in the building will have acted as a second witness to the crime he galvanises the skills of the three men who have gone straight in order to rob the bank that houses the security tape.This is a pretty standard British comedy that is marked out by a number of good gags (the roller coaster scene in particular) and the actual raid itself. The performances in the film are all as good as they can be with Steve Coogan in fine form as the meek Parole Officer trying to be a role model for people who don't want one. The support of Ben Miller, Lena Hedley, Steven Waddinton, Om Puri (He's always good) and Emma Williams are all fine and the cameo at the end of the film is one that is worth waiting for.The script is a simple tale that is made as good as it can be and is kind of a throwback to the great Ealing comedies of the forties and fifties with a more contemporary edge and for the most part it is successful. The only downside for me is that, knowing Manchester the way I do, I know that certain buildings aren't where they appear in this film and that is a bit of an issue, but that said this is still essentially an enjoyable Sunday afternoon film for people who want to see Steve Coogan as something other than support in successful American films.Worth a watch.

This a very enjoyable film and is a great family film as well only if the kids are older than 12. I first watched it on video finding it at a car boot sale. I was defiantly glad i got it because i couldn't stop laughing through out the whole of the film. Since i have had it i have watched it about 8 times and still laugh each time. It has a great cast in it as well, such as Ben Miller, Om Purin, Lena Headey and many more. They all put in great performances that keep the audience laughing thanks to Steve Coogan who wrote the film himself. This a brilliant British comedy and will keep you laughing through out the whole of the film.

I thought this was a really funny British comedy,I'm surprised it got so many negative reviews,id never heard of this film before until id watched it on Sunday night,i wasn't going to watch it ,but I'm glad i did.The actors never force the comedy ,its paced well and the script is light.Its never too vulgar,there isn't loads of obscene language and sex scenes and it isn't offensive in any way.Although I'm an animal lover the scene involving the Jack Russell was hilarious,{well its obvious it wasn't a real dog flying over the fence}.The scene on the roller-coaster was also really funny and i normally hate anything like that which involves someone being sick,from now on after seeing this film I'm going to make sure i sit in front on a fairground ride.I think this film is suitable for all ages,don't avoid give it a try.

Believe it or not there are some really talented British actors on show here, but the awful script and direction make this so dire as to be embarrassing. Probably just a cynical attempt to cash in on recent British comic successes, little thought was given as to the interaction between the TV stars such as Coogan & Miller, and established Thesps such as Puri, Agutter and Sharif. Few of the performances are spot-on - young Emma Williams' perhaps being the best. There is an awkward, contrived, hurried feeling to it all, and the few jokes that actually work are lost in all the confusion.It looks like it was finished in a weekend like a sort of last-minute school project - started with good intentions, but ran out of steam sometime after a heavy dinner and a few drinks. That's probably the only time to watch it - slightly merry, stuffed, and too lazy to change channels on the TV.