Ridley Scott's son Jake bursts onto the screen with a directorial debut of considerable promise. Ignore the fact that hardly anyone went to see it, because while it's never as sure-footed as it should be for a feature trying to re-write the genre book, it's feisty and fun enough to warrant a look. Those Brit-pack hot properties Robert Carlyle and Jonny Lee Miller take the lead as chalk-and-cheese highwaymen who team up to infiltrate high society for financial gain, all the while being pursued by vicious lawman Ken The Vice Stott. So far, so predictable, but it's Norris Spencer's design which really makes this work, moving from the dark, dank grunge of the first half to the lush, rich visuals of the second with effortless aplomb. With romantic interest Liv Tyler sporting a wry eye-twinkle and Alan Cumming providing some camp Carry On- style levity, the drive of the film is in safe hands, so while Scott gives away his novice status a little too often, he should at least be praised for his attempt to create something new. (1999) 3 Stars (out of five)
