Review by Nick Wheatley
Stars Maggie Smith, Dave King, Robert Morley,
Daniel Massey | Written by Patrick Campbell & Vivienne Knight
UK certification U | UK RRP £15.99 | DVD Region 2 | Runtime 80 minutes | Directed by Michael Truman
Three charming but headstrong London crooks are looking to spend another spell behind bars after their latest illegal activity results in them getting nicked.
Upon their release they hatch a new scheme and pose as firemen to gain access to valuable property and make a quick getaway too. As they get the equipment and the training their grand heist seems to be coming together perfectly but of course a few spanners get thrown in the works
Go To Blazes has a good premise and the chemistry between the main trio is amusing and snappy. King impresses as the charismatic head honcho of the group. However the tone of the piece is relentlessly positive and charming and becomes tiresome by the end. The characters are limited in scope and you do begin to question why these characters are working together and what is their motivation to continually break the law.
This is not a forgotten gem of British cinema but rather a mediocre and predictable comedy. Some of the jokes do their purpose but the repetitive theme tune, silly second half and lack of resolution are problems that are too big to overlook. Worth watching for Smith's dodgy French accent though.
EXTRAS Absolutely zilch. Not even a small interview with Maggie Smith. Very disappointing for a film that must have had a few funny stories to tell.