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"The Velvet Goldmine" with wigs and panniers

The incoherent plot and screenplay are both laughably bad. Pretty costumes, pretty direction, a nifty techno soundtrack, and Robert Carlyle make watching Plunkett & McLeane worthwhile only if you're in the mood for a ninety-minute music video. Brainless fun.

One of the best films I've seen in a LONG time...

Plunkett & Macleane is a well directed and visually stunning film with a killer soundtrack. On the verge of being hilariously grotesque along the lines of "Trainspotting" yet intriguing in a dramatic sense, this movie shines where the others don't. The setting of London is portrayed nearly perfect for the time period where the two thieves steal just because they can. The soundtrack that backs the drama & action is beautifully composed by Craig Armstrong, who gives it a classical feeling with the tinge of electronica overtones. Overall, this movie rocks.

Plunkett and Macleane DVD

This is my kind of movie. Robert Carlyle and Johnny Lee Miller are simply fantastic in the title roles. If you like action adventure movies, you've got to give this one a try. If you like period pieces, such as: Barry Lyndon, and The Adventures of Robin Hood you should enjoy this film. I know I did. The filmmaker tried to inject 20th century sensibility into eighteenth century dialog, probably to add some humor, if that doesn't bother you there's nothing standing in the way of your enjoying this film.

A completely pleasent surprise

This is probably my selection for the sleeper movie of 1999. I went past the movie in the video store and saw that Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting, Ravenous, The Full Monty) was in the movie and decided to take a chance.

I would probably give a 4 1/2 to this if it were possible, everything was done well, acting, directing and especially writing, which is very often lacking in movies these days.

The out of place piece of the movie was the language, which was often completely modern, used effectively for humor, especially the modern swearing.

Plunkett is a highwayman who loses his partner to the bad guy (Chance, played by Ken Stott) and hooks up with Macleane, who has connections in high culture (i.e. money). They go on a crime spree and become well known. Chance makes it a personal point of honor to catch them.

The action was good, the characters were superb, the villan was evil and mean. What more can I say? It is well worth your time.

New and Brilliant

This film is exactly as it says on the box, "A historic lock, stock and two smoking barrels"! I sat down to watch this film with an open mind as to wether I'd like it or not as it is different to anything i've ever watched before but as soon as the movie started I was mesmerised by the excellent acting, complex,yet easy to follow storyline and excellent soundtrack! Carlyle and Miller both never fail to (Stand and)deliverand Liv tyler as support is also excellent. If you like LOCK, STOCK & TWO SMOKING BARRELS you're bound to like this!

Predictable, Brainless Fun

Robert Carlyle and Johnny Lee Miller are great actors, and they do an admirable job with this piece of period pulp. They've both been in better movies, but seem to have had a particlarly good time making this one. I guess that robbing the rich is more fun for them than being heroine junkies in "Trainspotting." Liv Tyler is pretty as always, and she's a good actress as well, but her role in this film is shallow and lackluster - something that should be attributed to the screenplay, not her.

This is a modern day swashbuckler where the good guys are outlaws and the bad guy (Ken Stott) is just a truly manipulative, nasty person. There's nothing really original about this film, but it is fun to watch and shows promise for Jake Scott as a director. It doesn't aspire to greatness, so it's easy to grant a little leeway.

You probably won't find anybody saying that it's the best movie they've seen but they certainly won't say that it's awful.

The DVD is a bit weak on added features - the featurette does not include anything that you couldn't really get out of the movie on your own. It is, however, kind of interesting to see the difference between the UK and the US trailers for the film. Overall, a decent rental.

Stylish and well-directed!

A mediaeval costume dram with a notable difference - twentieth century speak transposed to the 18th century in this visually satisfying and atmospheric tale of two gentlemen highwaymen who robbed from the rich aristocracy for their kicks! But the dialogue and the loud thumping techno music gives it an appeal to the older teenage generation who might not appreciate it if it were done in the style of, say, THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK. The highway robbery scenes are superbly done, Robert Carlyle and Jonny(LOVE HONOUR AND OBEY) Lee Miller relish their roles, acting as frivolously and as over the top as they can! Liv Tyler wears some particularly busty costumes as well. Filmed in London, Czech republic and Spain for the mediaeval building settings of old London and Newgate prison, this action-packed drama is best enjoyed on DVD for its soundtrack and atmospheric effects. Not to be missed!

Stand and Deliver

This movie rocked! I love the gay undertones of Plunkett, The white horse and smoke. Everything. A++

Stand and deliver tale comes to life

For those of us looking for a different kind of adventure, Plunkett & Macleane fits the bill. I wasn't sure what to expect beyond the known premise of this being the story of notorious 18th century English highwaymen. What I discovered in my first viewing was not only the talents of the cast, but a visual feast as well. Updated with modern "slang", an uptempo soundtrack (that cleverly mixes the relevant classical fare with modern electronics), and authentic looking costumes and scenery, this one swept me away to another time and place. Robert Carlyle and Jonny Lee Miller make a great team (again, as in "Trainspotting") as the title characters, and display versatility in each of their roles....from the funny moments weaved throughout, to the dire consequences of their characters' actions, and finally to the loyalty of friendship. Liv Tyler, who's role as Lady Rebecca is not as dimensional as the leads, pulls it off well enough. All in all, I was pleased with this film, even with any minor flaws it contains (all being more in form with the sometimes uneven pace of the story, rather than the acting itself). Stereotypes do abound (esp. the artistocrats)in this movie, as do some gruesome violence, which could have both perhaps been a little less exaggerated. But, who's perfect? Finally, though Plunkett & Macleane is not the type of film everyone will enjoy, those of us with a taste for scoundrels' adventures long ago will find it generally satisfying.

Beautifully Mixed Film

Plunkett & Macleane was a film I have never heard of but I rented it because the Trainspotting boys were together again. Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Caryle played out their role extremely well. It was action filled and seductive as well. I highly recommend this film to anyone who comes across it!

18th C meets 20th C meets Alan Cummings in make up?

Starting in a dingy English drunk pen, you may easily mistake this for an every day, run-of-the mill medieval type yarn. However you'd be very much mistaken. 18th century scenery give way to 20th century language (Hence the 15 certificate). A fast paced plot bring together Plunkett (Carlyle) an ex-apothecarist and violent type, with Macleane, a pauper who desperately wants to be a gentleman. Together they create a crime wave, 'robbing from the rich and that's it' An all round gem of a film, with several notable stand alone scenes, foremost of which is the dance scene. Incredible outfits in a beautiful 18th century ballroom to the sounds of drum, bass and keyboard. Truly a unique turn on what could easily have been another tired old ball. All actors put on sterling performances both the 'good guys' and the 'baddies'. Great script, superb costumes, a marvellous film.

It won't win awards, but bloody good fun nonetheless.

First all, considering the region 1 version is out of print, you're best renting it before spending up to $60 on a used copy. I was lucky to have rented it and asked Blockbuster to sell it to me for the remaining retail price (any BBV can do this if you want to keep a movie), paying only US $21.99.

I rented "Plunkett & Maccleane" at the Blockbuster where I work, looking for a period action type of film with a little flavor, sick and tired of dramatic tales of split personalties and celebrity flim flams that are polluting all rental stores. This was exactly what I needed.

The story entails the adventure of a gritty thief, William Plunkett, and want-to-be gentleman, Captain James Macleane. The two unlikely "heroes" are forced into cooperation when they're captured trying to recover a swallowed ruby from Plunkett's dead accomplice. Plunkett, swallowing the ruby once more, teams up with the well-spoken Macleane to exchange the jewel for freedom.

The two plot a scheme, using some of Plunkett's bounty, to set up Macleane with fancy clothes and a good address to convince others of his gentleman status. In fancy dining and gambling parties, Macleane, with the assistance of the 2nd Earl of Rochester (Alan Cumming), discovers who were most worth stealing. Later that night, the "gentlemen highwaymen" rob said worthy targets.

Macleane becomes tangled when he loses a grip on his gambling problem, and he falls for lady Rebecca (Liv Tyler), the modern woman in an unmodern time. Plunkett, becoming angry with Macleane's attitude and his rivalry with the hateful enforcement figure known as Mr. Chance (Ken Stott), leads to troubling times between the highwaymen.

I particularly enjoyed the characters the film draws. Stott is so convincing as Chance you almost hate him, even if he is fictitious. Liv Tyler's performance is the best in the film, as our two main characters aren't brooding with depth, their chemistry is undeniable. This being one of the earliest of Focus Features (before USA Films merger with Good Machine productions), it's a title I found myself wanting to watch over and over.

Not to mention, the score is also remarkable. Since the film never takes itself too seriously, the score does the same, with plenty of electronica and electronic-influenced symphonies from the hand of Craig Armstrong.

So, rent it first to be sure this is what you're looking for. If you come to want it, best wishes on acquiring a Region 1 copy, as it's out of print (check the outrageous used prices!)

Sometimes Silly Is What You Want!

PLUNKETT & MACLEANE has a purpose: entertainment. And during a season of rush and deadlines this little film provides enough anachronistic pleasures to fill a relaxing evening.

The story is simple: two social polar opposites with reasons for distaste for society join forces to rob the rich. And all the rest is fantasy and period tongue in cheek humor. Jonny Lee Miller is the cleaner of the two and Robert Carlyle the scruffy intuitive thief. The two fall under different influences piloted by such fine actors as Liv Tyler, Alan Cumming, and Michael Gambon.


This is high rolling farce with a silly but fun musical score and wonderful period costumes and mannerisms. It is not deep, it is not particularly good, but it IS entertaining. This kind of fluff leaves you whistling with a smile. Grady Harp, December 05

A mixed review...

The big-screen debut of director Scott, whose only other directorial credit is the short-lived television series "The Hunger," is the son of the sometimes-brilliant Ridley Scott. Reuniting Carlyle (who charmed the world in *The Full Monty*) and Miller, who appeared together in *Trainspotting*, it is a somewhat disjointed affair that can be a pleasure to watch, nonetheless. With spectacular art direction, and some dazzling effects, the camerawork can be dizzying as well as captivating. Scott interjects certain modern elements of music and cinematic that can have a jarring effect in this period piece. Aside from a deplorable title (the name sounds too much like *Tango and Cash* or *Turner and Hooch*), this tale of an ill-matched pair of highwaymen, as lush and romantic as it is, leaves something to be desired. With elements of *Robin Hood*, *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*, as well as *Batman*, it is an ambitious undertaking.The leads seem to do their best, and are engaging as the rogues, but the story rapidly becomes preposterous and you often find yourself wondering if you missed something. Then there's Liv Tyler. What can we say about Liv? That she's very good for her age? That someday she may be a fine actress? The truth of the matter is, that except for her lineage (such as it is), she is only one of the flood of lovely and somewhat inept starlets that have had a brief moment of attention lately. Always a pleasure to look at, she would do well to introduce a new facial expression (or two) into her repertoire. Alan Cumming, who won the Tony for his portrayal of the emcee in *Cabaret*, is flamboyantly superb as Lord Rochester, Claire Rushbrook has a gem of a role as the wealthy and syphilitic Lady Estelle, and Ken Stott is despicable as the sadistic chief of police. Shot in Prague, Spain and London, the locations serve the film perfectly, but the pop-synth music is at odds with the period, and even though it occasionally adds excitement, overall, it's distracting. Not a bad debut, overall, and a hint of the surprises Scott has in store for us.

Highly amusing, but don't expect accuracy.

The first time I saw this film, I was deeply confused. Just what was up with the costumes? And the music? The second time through, when I actually watched the screen instead of the sewing machine, it made so much more sense. Aha! They weren't goign for accuracy at all! I can go with this, support it even, despite the fact that I am one of the biggest costume snobs I've ever met. Just go with it.


The biggest thing I noticed was that the only ones that got the seriously wrong costumes were the highest, smartest set, the ones that knew the rules and broke every one of them. In every part of their lives. I actually saw it as a way of pointing out to a population that probably would have seen truly accurate costume as merely quaint or stuffy, and that was not the attitude these people had. So you add a few modern touches, and really, it doesn't detract from the general mood they're trying to convey.

The same thing kind of applies to the music, but you know, it's really just a good soundtrack. Apparently, baroque and techno can do quite well together, and have a lot of fun in the process. I'm still upset that the jail scene song isn't on the CD though.


I find it deeply, terrribly funny that Alan Cummings' part bore the name of Rochester. The only other infamous Rochester I can think of was a 17th century poet who wrote the dirtiest, most obscene, most openly bi-sexual lyrics I've read that date to before the 20th century. So the eyebrow piercing was maybe a little much, but hey, it looked just swell on him with those incredible coats.

Plot? Who needs plot? Seriously though, there was one. It's just a very, very common one. Think Robin Hood, or pirates, or simply highwaymen. They all have the same plot, and it never goes out of style. There's a reason for that--it's all great fun, and sometimes you get a moral, sometimes you don't, and sometimes they dance the Tyburn Jig and all the pretty ladies weep. It all amounts to the same thing.The point is always just to have fun, and a good laugh.

Pretentious and Predictable

There is real plot in this film, it just follows two bumbling theives. Actually the two actors are the only aspect that make this movie watchable, just barely however.

The self-concious humour ends up being incredibly pretentious, it even seems to revel in the fact that it is pretentious, and somehow that makes the movie selfaware and hip.

Some people might leap to this films defense and claim that the forgetable plot was part of the grand scheme to keep it fun and exciting. The problem is asides from the an uninvolving plot, this movie is extremely predictable, which further deminishes the already trite affair.

Predictable but fun

I suppose I wouldn't be loving this movie so much without Alan Cummings's scene stealing turn as the Boy George of the 18th century. I might have a problem recommending such a historically sloppy movie without the funky soundtrack that ocassionally tries to sound like 18th century English tunes but most of the time is just having a grand old time with the ahistorical nature of the endeavor.

A thief meets a nobleman while they are trying to steal the same ruby from a third dead thief. They strike up a partnership. Robert Carlysle seems closest to normal in this movie as you're ever going to get but is still charming. Johny Lee Miller has had some lucky casting decisions and some rather unfortunate roles but he's definitely watchable. There's a love story, political intrigue and scenes lifted directly from Westerns but it's all very serviceable.

You might want to rent this movie before buying it, but it is definitive enjoyable fluff and you should watch it if you find yourself bogged down with serious movies like The Pianist or The Hours.

Did I mention that Alan Cummings steals every scene that he's in?

Good movie, atrocious Music score!

The unfortunate thing about this movie is that with the exception a a few brief moments, the music ruins this funny and well done film.
I am not fussy about my music, I loved Moulin Rouge and I have no problem with modern music in period style films, as long as that music is GOOD music.
The problem is that the music in this film is absolutly horrid!
The cast and the crew should have killed the composer for doing what he did to this film. There are scenes that get lost in the noise of the loud and obnoxious score.
It is really too bad because if you can somehow manage to ignore the music(and that is a very hard thing to do) it is a very funny movie with a great cast.
I think the only other problem I had was the passing of the jewel scene that seemed so ridiculously idiotic and much too long.
I won't buy this DVD because I just couldn't stand to hear the music again. IF they ever try to do a deluxe version of this film, not likely as it bombed, I would suggest they tank the entire score except the last few minutes and redo it. The funny thing is most of the reviews I read when the movie came out said the same thing, good film except the score.

To waste time only.

If, according to the editorial review, you either desire to lavish the director of this picture with affection or to slap him silly, I advocate the latter. An amateurish attempt to lend some "hipper than thou" gloss to a mediocre plotline. Even the actors themselves seem uninspired by the material. Pumping, excellent score thanks to Craig Armstrong lets you walk away from the film with some sensation of feeling; other than that, bland.

Great entertainment.

This movie almost has everything. The action is cool, it's funny, 2 great leading men and a truly nasty villain that I REALLY hated. Not a lot of films have BAD bad guys. Just mainly comic book villains. He really does deserve a might asskicking.

Jake Scott really does have his fathers talent for knowing how to make great visuals. The direction is faultless and has an irresistable lighthearted feel. I don't usually like films set in the old days but this I liked a lot because it makes a point of boring like so many other period films are (Sense and Sensibility, Age of Innocence and the absolute worst...Lady and the Duke). This will restore your faith. Thanx mostly to Craig Armstrong's amazing score. The music is both atmospheric and etheral and in scenes of action it is very exciting.

The DVD is in Dolby 5.1 and has a very grainy and muddy looking 2.35:1 anamorphic picture.