DVDs

Plunkett and Macleane

Region 1

Region 4

By Richard Moore

In the 18th Century, the phrase "Stand and Deliver" would send shivers up the spine of weary travellers.

Their coaches would be dragged to a halt, throwing bodies, pressies and wigs all around the show, and then some swine with a hideous Scouse accent would murder the English language while pointing a flintlock pistol at them.

At the end of it all, the travellers - now wide awake - would have lost their money, jewellery and any respect they had for mankind in general and highwaymen in particular.

It wasn't all beer and skittles for the robbers, though, and even the best of them - like Dick Turpin - found himself swinging from a gallows doing the Tyburn jig.

The trials and tribulations of being a highwayman have never been better presented than the movie Plunkett and Macleane, which follows the adventures of two gentlemen of the road - Plunkett (Robert Carlyle) and Macleane (Jonny Lee Miller).

They are a mismatched pair of likeable rogues who join forces out of necessity and go on a crime spree that brings them infamy throughout England.

They rob the rich, and give to ... themselves ... and the adventures they have are exciting and humourous.

In fact, Plunkett and Macleane is one of the best movies released over the past decade, winning points for style, action and a wicked sense of humour.

It looks very 18th Century but the director Jake Scott has thrown in a very modern script and soundtrack, which will have your feet, hands and head moving to the beat as though you are in the throes of being hanged. Sorry, was that in excess?

Carlyle is fantastic (gee, that's a surprise) as the lower-class brains of the operation, while Miller is wonderful as the former soldier turned vagabond.

The romantic interest is Liv Tyler, but don't expect a Catherine Zeta-Jones-like Zorro performance, the gal just ain't quite up to it.

Michael Gambon, of Singing Detective fame, is spot-on as the pathetic old Lord Chief Justice - but the acting honour goes to the film's baddie, Ken Stott as the Thief-Taker General. He is truly evil and pursues the pair with relentless malevolence.

Plunkett and Macleane is film-making brilliance and is an absolute must for any movie lover's collection.

Stand and Deliver? They did for sure!

Conclusion:

Movie: 90%

Extras: 75%