Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Smalltime (1996)
Director: Shane Meadows
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
Sneinton, a suburb of Nottingham: Should Malc (Hand) carry on a dud life of petty crime with his boozing pals, or clean up his act, as his wife Kate (Smiles) insists? It's a tough choice, influenced not only by questions of cash and camaraderie, but by the fact that Jumbo (writer/director Meadows in memorably terrible wig) seems bent on wrecking any relationship Malc tries to establish outside their gang. Shot on video for a pittance, Smalltime may be rough and ready, but the title belies its big heart and acute perceptions. Though often very funny, this proudly parochial fable never opts for knowing caricature: the authenticity of these lives, defined by a shell-suited, Lambrusco-glugging lack of sophistication and unthinking laddishness, still allows for unsentimental affection and the odd serious insight.Author: GA
Cast & crew
Director: Shane Meadows
Producer: Shane Meadows
Cast: Mat Hand, Dena Smiles, Shane Meadows, Gena Kawecka, Jimmy Hynd full cast
Rated: 18
Duration: 61 mins
Most popular on this site
Top Stories
Has David Cronenberg turned tame?
Has director David Cronenberg veered too far from his radical and bloody roots with new film 'A Dangerous Method'?
The 10 worst date movies
Just in time for Valentine's Day, we present ten of the least romantic films ever made
Where to watch this year's Oscar-nominated films
Find out where to watch 2012's Oscar-nominated films in London cinemas
10 unlikely badboy biopics
Featuring Phil Collins, Jeremy Clarkson, Nick Clegg, David Starkey and a host of other unlikely subjects
Interview: Sean Durkin on 'Martha Marcy May Marlene'
The first-time director of the brilliant new thriller discusses religious cults and robot boxing
Pop-up cinema for Valentine's Day
Side-step romantic clichés with some alternative Valentine’s viewing






What do you think?
Post your review now