Film Review: Alan Partrige: Alpha Papa

When iconic TV characters move to the big screen for a feature length movie the outcome varies.  With The Inbetweeners Movie being a success, The League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse receiving a more mixed response, and The Keith Lemon Film  being one of the worst films ever to be released in cinema history, how Alan Partridge's debut film would be received was a question on every fan's mind.  So, is the Norfolk Radio DJ's film a hit or a miss?  IT'S A HIT!

The plot involves North Norfolk Radio being taken over by a multinational conglomerate and is renamed Shape.  As a result they sack DJ Pat Farrell (Colm Meaney), which leads to him holding the station hostage whilst a party is taken place.  During the siege the only person he will talk to is Alan Partridge (Steve Coogan).  Partridge helps the police to end the siege but does his ego get the better of him?...

One of the best things about the character Alan Partridge is that he can great comic gold just on his own.  He is that strong a character that his mannerisms and odd dialogue create comedy.  With Alan Patridge:  Alpha Papa  the same can be said, however Coogan knows that his famous character can't just be the only funny one.  Although Patridge obviously receives the most laughs there are other characters that also receive a chuckle from the audience and it's their interaction with Partridge that brings out the comedy.

When a television programme is brought to the big screen there has to be a certain purpose.  As well as just for a cash-in there has to be a story that for any reason couldn't be done on television.  With Alpha Papa's plot you could say that it could be done on the small screen however it gives you that feeling that this isn't an episode of I'm Alan Partridge  but an Alan Partridge movie.

Placing a character such as Partridge in a siege situation is an odd but hilarious combination.  I found myself laughing even when gags weren't happening because I kept reminding myself what the plot is and how bizarre it is in an anticipation of the next comical event.

Though the film is very quotable and extremely funny there are moments when it knocks into the silly territory and abandons the plot.  This is only a short section of the film and although it didn't stop me from laughing I wished it would move on with the story.

Alan Partridge:  Alpha Papa  is possibly this year's funniest film with The World's End  following closely behind.  Laugh out loud funny, excellent script and made to please fans.  With The Keith Lemon Film  being an embarrassment to Britain, Alan Partridge's big screen debut allows us to forget that horrible mess and remind ourselves that British comedy is still today clever, witty and very funny.