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Greenfingers 2000 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by Joel Hershman
R, 91 min. (language, some sexuality) |
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Starring: Clive Owen, Helen Mirren, David Kelly, Warren Clarke, Danny Dyer, Adam Fogerty, Paterson Joseph, Natasha Little
Producers: Travis Swords, Daniel J. Victor
Screenplay: Joel Hershman
Cinematography: John Daly
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Company
Released: 8.10.01 (Limited) |
Rating:
  (out of ) |
Greenfingers is little more than a guilty pleasure, with nice performances and a glossed storyline, but the fact that it's so
intensely likable is too hard to ignore. Maybe it's the fact we want the story to turn out the way it does, or simply that it's
refreshing to see a film that's contrived (although supposedly based on true events), but not to the point of wearing out its
welcome. You probably won't find any great message or poignant scenes here, instead just a fun evening at the theater
that's one of the year's more effective feel-good efforts. Nitpicking at a film like this is difficult to justify - sometimes I wonder
if some reviewers can even sit back and enjoy themselves anymore - and attempting to poke holes in this admittedly light-hearted
fare is a little like sticking a pin in a child's balloon. It's just not a good idea.
The story centers around a group of prisoners who, because of good behavior, have been selected to complete their
prison terms at an "open" facility - one in which their is minimum security and a work program to help inmates get back on
their feet when they are released into the world. Colin Briggs (Clive Owen) arrives as a hard-edged, low-keyed man wanting
nothing more than to finish his incarceration quietly without much fanfare. That all changes when he's forced to acquire
a skill in the work program. When his elderly roommate, Fergus (David Kelly), gives him a package of seeds for Christmas,
he quickly discovers his hidden talent for gardening. The warden (Warren Clarke) also takes notice, and names him
the new head gardener for the facility. He is joined by fellow inmates Raw (Adam Fogerty), a rough and tough big guy;
Jimmy (Paterson Joseph), who wants to make an impression on his son; Tony (Danny Dyer), who's interest is in a girl
working at the prison; and the aforementioned Fergus. Together, they become a good team of gardeners - so good, in fact,
it attracts the attention of England's foremost gardening expert, Georgina Woodhouse (Helen Mirren). She's so impressed
with their efforts, she vouches for their inclusion in the highly prestigious Hampton Court Flower Show (the country's top
gardening competition). Georgina's daughter, Primrose (Natasha Little), is attracted to Colin and lends her support for
his endeavor, until an unfortunate scandal threatens to ruin their efforts.
The film's highlights come from the idea of a group of prison inmates squawking over daffodils and posies, thereby ruining
the image of a typical convict. The thought of these seemingly incompatible characters working together in the garden
is a sight to behold - their rough edges soon melt away as their inner talents shine through. There's a complete transformation
of Colin, who's attitude and agregious past no longer dominate his every move. It's fun to see Colin with an idea of
becoming something special, something that no one can take away from him. It may be an optimistic outlook for the
unique program, but it makes a good argument.
It's obvious that the actors had a lot of fun with this film, and it shows. Owen (last seen in Croupier), who is quickly becoming a household name
in England, plays Colin in the perfect tone - subdued, with an inner light that turns on once he discovers his talent. He
brings a vitality to an otherwise bland character who would otherwise simply plant flowers and admire his work. Helen
Mirren's turn as Georgina is her typical strong effort, with just the right quirks and flair for comedic moments that make
her so delightful to watch. The rest of the cast is well-suited to their roles, and no one seems out of place with their character.
This film is in the tradition of other effective English comedies such as Waking Ned Devine or The Full Monty, never pushing
its dialogue to forced levels. The screenplay is impressive because of its lighter moments, resisting the temptation to
generate laughs at every turn regardless of the cost. Director Joel Hershman understands that in order to like his characters,
you first have to identify with them. He takes the time to develop their individual qualities so you can see their value
as an intregal part of the team, and, as a result, the film works. Ultimately, though it leans toward the sappy end of storytelling,
you simply want to see the protagonists succeed. Greenfingers may be cotton candy, but it sure tastes
good going down.
© 2001 Jonathan Cornwell
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 |
 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
| Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
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