Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa (15)
Running time: 90 min
Directed by: Declan Lowney
Starring: Steve Coogan, Colm Meaney and Anna Maxwell Martin

When famous DJ Alan Partridge’s radio station is taken over by a new media conglomerate, it sets in motion a chain of events which see Alan having to work with the police to defuse a potentially violent siege.

Alan Partridge (Steve Coogan), Norwich Radio’s mid-morning host, is content with how things have been for him; he has his radio show with a “large, varied and loyal” fan base. However, when a large corporation takes over the station, they want to make changes, big changes. Sadly one of those changes will be the dismissal of local Irish DJ Pat Farrell (Colm Meaney) a work colleague of Alan’s.

Taking matters into his own hands, Pat decides to vent his anger at the new corporation and takes over the station, holding several of his co-workers hostage. He states that he will only communicate to the Police via his friend, Alan Partridge. With a megaphone in one hand and a media frenzy to boost his ego, Alan relishes the task, but will the hostages make it out in one piece?

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa is a movie based on the television and radio personality of Alan Partridge, a failed chat show host who is well known to his fans for putting his foot into a small mess and making it a catastrophe.

There have been a number of big screen adaptions from television programmes over the years and sadly there have been more failures than successes. Thankfully, Alpha Papa retains everything that made the television show a success whilst expanding on a simple plot.

Steve Coogan is on cringing form as Alan Partridge, still lip synching to classic songs in his car, shamelessly flirting with his staff and belittling and bossing Lynn (Felicity Montagu), his PA, at every turn. It’s great to see that not only Lynn has returned, but also Michael “The Geordie” (Simon Greenall) and Dave Clifton (Phil Cornwell), Alan’s troubled radio show rival. Colm Meaney’s portrayal of an Irish radio DJ living on the edge is superb and it’s great to see Colm in a comedic role as he underplays the role perfectly.

The script is tight and has enough laughs to keep the audience entertained for its running time. True, there are periods where the laughs may not be as big as in some other places. However, when they do come, tissues are most definitely required!

The DVD has a number of extras including a great Making Of video which really gives the viewer an insight into the creative process behind the script and filming of the movie. There is also a host of deleted scenes and a bloopers reel all of which simply add to the enjoyment of the movie.

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa is neither gross out nor foul-language-for-the-sake-of laughs comedy, It’s an expansion of the character, complete with all of his flaws, that viewers, old and new, will relish. Though the “Tie and Blazer Badge” may be gone, the humour most certainly hasn’t.

4 out 5 Nerds

COMPETITION:

WIN A DVD OF ALAN PARTRIDGE: ALPHA PAPA AND AN ‘I AM SIEGE FACE’ T-SHIRT

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa is directed by Declan Lowney and starring Steve Coogan, Colm Meaney, Felicity Montagu, Simon Greenall and Sean Pertwee. The film is available on DVD. Blu-ray and digital download on December 2nd. To celebrate FTN is giving two lucky readers the chance to win a copy of the DVD and an ‘I Am Siege Face’ t-shirt. We’re also giving one runner-up a Shape digital mug!

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the question below:

What is the name of Alan’s radio station?

a) North Nottinghamshire Digital

b) North Norwich Digital

c) North Norfolk Digital

If you think you know the answer then email it to us at followingthenerd@gmail.com, including your name, address and age. Mark your email Partridge in a pear tree on or before Thursday December 5th, 2013

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• The winner will be drawn at random from all the correct entries, and only they will be contacted personally. Prize must be taken as stated and cannot be deferred. There will be no cash alternatives.

• Studiocanal UK and Following the Nerd ltd do not accept any responsibility for late or lost entries due to the Internet or email problems. Proof of sending is not proof of receipt. Entrants must supply full details as required on the competition page, and comply with all rules to be eligible for the prizes.

• No responsibility is accepted for ineligible entries or entries made fraudulently.

• Unless otherwise stated, the Competition is not open to employees of: (a) the Company; and (b) any third party appointed by the Company to organise and/or manage the Competition; and (c) the Competition sponsor(s).

• This competition is a game promoted by Following the Nerd ltd. Following the Nerd ltd decision is final in every situation and no correspondence will be entered into.

• Following the Nerd ltd reserves the right to cancel the competition at any stage, if deemed necessary in its opinion, and if circumstances arise outside of its control.

• Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them when entering this competition