Reviews

A documentary about an infamous joke that has done the rounds for decades amongst comedians but has rarely had a public airing. This is probably because, despite a roll call of some of comedy's biggest names, the joke just isn't very good, it's cult in-joke status can be the only reason for its longevity. This is however a likable film, which does have its funny moments, a particular highlight being the South Park telling of the joke, just don't believe the hyperbole of the DVD cover: "you'll laugh till it hurts" (rolling stone)... "one of the funniest movies ever" (hotdog)... "howlingly funny" (New York daily news) these people really should get out more.

I had been told by lots of people how great this film was, and with a story by Kipling, directed by Houston, starring Caine and Connery all the components of a great film seemed to be in place. Something didn't add up though, this film fails to be the sum of all its parts. The film is over long and failed to fully grip me. It may be that I missed something or that Iam a philistine but to me it felt stilted and dated. Michael Caine described this as "the only film I've done that will last after I'm gone" but it is far out shone by his other works, such as the Italian Job, Get Carter, etc. In fact it is Caine that is the most guilty of overacting of the whole cast.

The Edinburgh Festival would seem to be an excellent theme for a film, with so much going on in a vibrant, photogenic city. This film, however proves this not to be such a good idea. It is a real mess, it has no focus, instead following several different story lines with no depth or conviction. The characters are ill-conceived and two dimensional, the stories poorly written and clichéd. All this is particularly disappointing giving this is the same writer/director (Annie Griffin) who made the brilliant TV series 'the Book Group'. The whole film has the feeling that was a rushed affair. Potential viewers would be best advised to avoid this film, instead saving the money towards a trip to Edinburgh to visit the festival for real - a far more rewarding experience.