Review of Greenfingers

Introduction

This is a feelgood factor picture with two capital Fs. Think Alan Titchmarsh cross-pollinated with Ronnie Barker`s Fletcher character and you`re well on the way. This is a lags-made-good story in the tradition of Porridge, or Two-Way Stretch. If this had been made in the 1950`s, it would have had the Ealing label all over it. As it is, it`s a charming little modern-day movie about a career convict who finds the path to happiness through horticulture. Unfortunately, the liberal use of bad language limits the audience that could benefit from this picture.

Video

Given the gardening theme of the movie, it is no surprise that visually it is a treat. It is a summertime movie, so the sun is bright and the plants are in bloom so there are plenty of beauty-shots to show off the cinematographer`s expertise. The picture is as clean as you could expect a brand-new movie to be. Colours are vivid without being overpowering, contrast is spot on and the images are sharp - just the way they should be. Anamorphic 1.85:1 presentation means you can almost smell the roses.

Audio

The soundtrack is a pleasant DD5.1 mix without any trickery.

Features

Sadly there are few extras apart from a theatrical trailer and subtitling. Given the modest-budget nature of the film it would be surprising to find making-of or any other marketing fluff.

Conclusion

There are solid performances from Clive Owen, Helen Mirren, David Kelly and Warren Clarke. But for the use of bad language in the picture, it could have been family fare as it would easily appeal to a wider audience. As a gentle, unwinding sort of picture I can recommend this heartily.