Going Off Big Time

Scouse bloke Mark Clayton (Fitzmaurice) has kept out of trouble all his life, until he accidentally hits a cop and get four years in jail. Helped by old timer Hill, he learns survival skills (worthy of Alcatraz) and, once released, is soon heading a gang of ex-cons. Although scams and dodgy deals are lucrative and a laff, Mark begins to tire when he gets to know posh bird Natasha (Barr). Is he in too deep? The Liverpudlian production team have gone for a comic spin, and the film has its moments, such as Mark's first meeting with a crook who's 'more Stringfella than Goodfella - couldn't read or write but could spell Versace.' The acting, however, is variable, the mix of violence and capering uneasy, and the romance strictly routine.