Faintheart

This Britcom attracted much media attention during production, as members of the MySpace community were given (limited) input on the script and some casting opportunities. A worthwhile model for the future or mere online publicity stunt? The jury’s still out, since the end result is a decidedly stale triumph-of-the-underdog romp.

Eddie Marsan, who’s  a splendid supporting actor for Mike Leigh, doesn’t quite fit the bill as leading man,  a geek obsessed with historical re-enactments who must fight to win back the respect of spouse Jessica Hynes, who’s been distracted by the manly charms of gym teacher Paul Nicholls. It all feels very samey, the comic potential of the mock battles never  approached with genuine enthusiasm but treated as a mere gag, and one which soon outstays its welcome. Amiable yet underwhelming.