Jane Preston’s documentary tackles the week’s most extraordinary narrative – the life of footballer Paul Gascoigne, as told in his own words – in naggingly cursory fashion. It plumps for fond tribute rather than anything more instructive. The first half rounds up the highlights: the singular on-pitch talent, the anecdotes featuring such priceless inquiries as: “Can I borrow an ostrich?” Then the daftness shades into something else; viewed in retrospect, that night in Turin suggested tears – and recklessness – were never far away. Here, Preston backs off: there’s nowt on Sheryl, and the final moments barrel past Gascoigne’s recent troubles much as his younger self did opposition defenders. Still, it’s heartening to see those old crowdpleasing instincts return when discussing, say, that Vinnie Jones photo. For the first time in years, Gazza is allowed to express himself as only he could.
.png?w=600)
