Set largely in a petrol-station shop over the course of one eventful night, this low-budget British comedy has a set-up so derivative it almost comes back round to being original, or possibly post-postmodern. But it’s hard to get too snooty about a movie that’s so effortlessly enjoyable to watch with its generous ration of good, genuinely funny dialogue, all finely delivered by a likable, tightly synchronised cast.
Four Lions’ Adeel Akhtar and EastEnders’ alumnus Ray Panthaki are a classic stupid-and-smart buddy team who decide the only way to raise the readies to pay off some Russian extortionists is to rob a petrol station. Unfortunately, the safe is on a timer lock so, until it can be opened in the morning, they take the staff hostage and pose as employees, under wry cashier Vicky McClure’s tutelage.
An assortment of wacky customers pass through the automatic doors, and even if belligerent dwarves and foul-mouthed old ladies are cheap shots, the farcical shenanigans have plenty of fizz.
