Yet again the British film industry refuses to put a bullet in the back of the head of the gangster movie revival. For every one that rises to the top of the pile (Sexy Beast; Lock, Stock...), theres an offender which never will (Circus; Love, Honour & Obey). Maybe its time for some of the old guard to slap down the upstarts. And, if you want Cockney menace with veteran authority, look no further than Michael Caine.
Without Caine, Shiner would be nothing more than a schedule-filling slice of 70s TV. It gives him the opportunity to flex those acting muscles that get flabby when your career consists of a string of high-profile cameo roles. He threatens, he broods, he bullies, he cries.
This is his King Lear a character who thinks hes at the height of his power, but who, in the course of a day, will see his family turn against him and his servants loyalty called into question, as hes left howling in the wilderness.
Its a pity, then, that a performer of this stature isnt supported by the script, the story or the direction of his venture. John Irvin fails to inject any distinctive note of energy into his work. The boxing sequences are more The Bill than Raging Bull punch-for-punch blunders that are devoid of excitement. Theres a clue in the fact that this is Caines fourth collaboration with Geoffrey Reeve after Shadow Run, Half Moon Street and **The Whistle Blower ** hardly the high points of the actors filmography.
Elsewhere, Landau fails to make much impact as an American promoter, while Kenneth Cranham is spectacularly hammy in his bad guy turn. Only Harper, playing strong, silent but surprisingly complex henchman Stoney, has the presence to match Caine. But its the main mans movie, as bruised and brilliant as the title suggests.