Is someone still talking at the back?

The Parole Officer is the latest British comedy to hit the cinema. It's just unfortunate it's not that good.

Paul Sims

But in all honesty it's not that bad either.

Whilst watching the film I thought of the John Cleese film 'Clockwise', and the Morcambe and Wise films. It was a real feel good movie but seeing Coogan in the role of Simon Garden I felt myself wanting him to be Alan Partridge.

It wasn't that the Simon Garden character wasn't funny. He had his moments - just not as many as Alan.

Steve Coogan

The basic story is about Simon Garden (Steve Coogan)a Blackpool parole officer who's only had three successful clients go 'straight' out of 500.

His work colleagues have him transferred to Manchester, because he is so annoying (although Simon claims it's a personality clash with someone in the office, to which the reply "The letter is signed by everyone in the office" comes back).

In his new position this well meaning but ultimately annoying character finds himself framed for a murder he didn't commit by bent copper DI Burton (Stephen Dillane).

The one piece of evidence that will prove Simon's innocence is locked away in a bank vault, so he assembles his ex-clients and persuades them to break in and steal it.

What follows is a feel good, heist movie with a likeable team played by Om Puri, Ben Miller, Steven Waddington and Emma Williams as Simon's gang.

They're helped along by a shadowy figure played by Omar Sharif, and I must admit that one thing going for the film is we want the heroes to win, even if they don't provide as many laughs as they could.

Lena Headey

Lena Headey plays police officer, Emma who sees through Simons annoying traits and as well as helping the gang, falls for Simon.

Well that's one thing Alan Partridge never got.

Certainly not the macho hero, Garden is always desperate to avoid getting a beating, to the point of attempting to bribe his assailants. “In my wallet, I’ve got £40,” he tells a dastardly duo. “That’s twenty each.”

As I say Coogan as Simon Garden has his moments - just not as many as he could have.