Moviola > Films > A Bunch of Amateurs

A Bunch of Amateurs (15)   96 mins

"They wished for a star, then wished they hadn't."

When ageing Hollywood action superstar Jefferson Steel (Burt Reynolds) finds work drying up, he gives his agent an ultimatum to find him a decent project to showcase his talent.  His agent comes up with the ideal role to invigorate his career – playing King Lear in Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of Shakespeare.  Jefferson is soon heading across the Atlantic, although he becomes suspicious when he is met at the airport by a woman in a Land Rover who drives him to his B&B accommodation in the sleepy Suffolk village of Stratford St John.  Unwittingly he has landed himself the lead role in a local amateur production, which is looking to raise money to keep its drama society going.  Also starring Derek Jacobi and Imelda Staunton.
 

"Burt Reynolds is stealth funny as the insecure actor who builds himself up to a moment of existential angst on a rain-swept hill, but it's Imelda Staunton who steals scenes as his adoring landlady."  Bina007 Movie Reviews

"The film scores no points for originality, but it achieves everything it sets out to and builds up to a satisfying conclusion that will keep everyone smiling."  Colm Andrew

"If you liked Calendar Girls you'll like this. It's not great art, just great entertainment with a really good British cast, and an ageing but nevertheless very entertaining Burt Reynolds."  Online reviewer

No official site, but look it up on www.imdb.com

Showing:

12-Jan         Norton sub Hamdon (associate venue)

26-Jan         Goodworth Clatford

11-Feb        East Stratton  

25-Feb        Sway

11-Mar        Yarcombe    

Last modified: 04-Feb-2010

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