http://www.teletext.co.uk/bigscreen/film-of-the-week/default.aspxen-gbThu, 22 May 2008 16:41:03 GMThttp://www.teletext.co.uk/images/Logo64x64.gifhttp://www.teletext.co.ukReview by Mike Martin - About the most damning thing to say about a film is not "dreadful", "awful" or "terrible" - in my book, it&#39;s "worthy".<img src="http://feeds.teletext.co.uk/~r/entertainment/big-screen/film-of-the-week/~4/295762281" height="1" width="1"/>
This is a classic example - it's clearly a labour of love for Peter Howitt and is based on the real and very sad story of writer Stuart Browne.

But try as it might - and boy, does it try - it never becomes truly engaging enough to really care about.

Based on Browne's novel, Howitt stars as a burnt-out film director (irony?) who is happy to throw away his talent in favour of booze and birds.

After humiliating himself in various meetings Noah Arkwright finally decides to try to cure his addictions.

However (more irony) he then discovers he has cancer, and has to go through a series of excruciating treatments to rid himself of the disease.

Director Howitt may claim that his portrayal of Arkwright is a warts-and-all study of selfishness and greed.

Dramatically however it makes him almost impossible to sympathise or empathise with - a major flaw, as he is the dominant character in the film.

When he is snorting cocaine or having a threesome he's obnoxious, when he discovers the joys of love and fatherhood he's just annoying.

Credit goes to some sterling Brits who put in some good work - Saffron Burrows as Arkwright's wife, Rachel Stirling as his saviour Kirstin and Sean Pertwee as his drinking buddy Ray.

Howitt throws himself at the role with such gusto it almost makes you worry for his long-term health.

Ultimately though it's a journey down a blind alley. Shame, given everyone's undoubted commitment. Verdict: 2/5

]]>52d6fed24a65742afa99a34f94171471http://feeds.teletext.co.uk/~r/entertainment/big-screen/film-of-the-week/~3/295762281/Dangerous+Parking+(18)+109+mins.aspxhttp://www.teletext.co.uk/bigscreen/film-of-the-week/52d6fed24a65742afa99a34f94171471/Dangerous+Parking+(18)+109+mins.aspxhttp://www.teletext.co.uk/bigscreen/film-of-the-week/52d6fed24a65742afa99a34f94171471/Dangerous+Parking+(18)+109+mins.aspxDo you agree with our review of Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull? Write and tell us.<img src="http://feeds.teletext.co.uk/~r/entertainment/big-screen/film-of-the-week/~4/295762282" height="1" width="1"/>
Writers of the best texts or e-mails will get a copy of comedy-drama The Good Night - we have five to give away.

Send an SMS with your name and full address on 07624 809879 (Costs 25p plus operator tariff per 160 characters), ore-mail your rant or review to vortex@teletext.co.uk by May 29.

]]>c70fd45913a03c4173d80afe605b84dehttp://feeds.teletext.co.uk/~r/entertainment/big-screen/film-of-the-week/~3/295762282/Vortex+We+want+your+views!.aspxhttp://www.teletext.co.uk/bigscreen/film-of-the-week/c70fd45913a03c4173d80afe605b84de/Vortex+We+want+your+views!.aspxhttp://www.teletext.co.uk/bigscreen/film-of-the-week/c70fd45913a03c4173d80afe605b84de/Vortex+We+want+your+views!.aspx