Customer Reviews

Dirty Tricks

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

A BBC story outrageously funny. Strong casting, plenty of Brit stars, with twists that keep you watching like a Midsomer Murder. But it is a Martin Clunes, before his superlative Doc Martin series, that pulls the dirty tricks. How can this DVD be compared to that super-level of comedy in Doc Martin? Close, but not quite.

Clunes, as Edward, begins the tale explaining to viewers he is avoiding CID Moss (James Bolam-yes, `the' Beiderbecke) and heading out of the country to avoid arrest for a double murder. Moss investigates just like in the Beiderbecke series. Edward didn't do it, he says. It's technically true, and he begins the explanation from 2 years previous.
A crazed adulteress, Karen (Julie Graham-`Bonekickers' see it), tags Edward as her unlikely victim and begins numerous assaults to his person using every room of her home, but only when her hubby, CPA Dennis (Neil Dudgeon), is nearby. Kinky? The tan-less skin, vocabulary, and graphic activity is overdone, but there was a warning on the box. Get by the overexposure and the plot gets comic.
There are some unfortunate accidents, resulting in death, but also financial opportunity for others. Thus, the plot to twist the truth into a profitable outcome turns up the hilarity. Another female, twists the mix, using Lindsay Duncan (Under the Tuscan Sun; Rector's Wife) as Edwards new flame as he tries to put the loss of his first love onto innocent Clive, well not so innocent in all things.

Strangely, found the musical score quite appropriate and nice. Some great visuals of England and Wales. The drama is based on a Michael Dibdin book. Writing caused it to get the Int. Emmy win. Martin Clunes has soared upward in comedy excellence since this 2000 role. Perhaps he's as good playing Edward, as he is playing Dr Martin. He did a very good job as Edward playing a bad actor trying to avoid a murder trial. Perhaps it's just the level he has obtained in current TV episodes that makes this DVD seem less. Bottom line, even with the overworked lust angle, the 2 episode show brings on laughs out loud.

SUBTITLES included. Dibdin bio and 5 filmographies included.
As for the sensual, mystery, relationships, and blame...one must define "DIRTY" and "TRICKS" for each aspect.

I don't buy many movies but as a huge Martin Clunes fan I was intrigued by this story. I read the two other reviews here, and watched a few excerpts on YouTube. Then I bought the movie. I loved it. It was a good, well-written (and acted) and genuinely entertaining film. Having seen Martin Clunes and Julie Graham in the series William and Mary before seeing this move made it even more fun.
They have great chemistry, and although sex plays a part in the plot, it's all integral and not remotely in poor taste. It's great entertainment. If you like Martin Clunes, British humor--or just a good story--it's worth it!

First of all, the constant use of loud Latin music was distracting and irritating. The acting was not bad and the dialogue was cleaver. Julie Graham was good as was Martin Clunes and Lindsay Duncan. The rest of the characters were less than belivable, especially the young girl that played the daughter of Lindsay Duncan. If you're a Martin Clunes fan, my advice is: rent it, don't buy it.

I loved Martin Clunes in the "Doc Martin" series. I wanted to see what else he had done. This series was OK, but I wouldn't buy the sequel. He has such an expressive face.

Big Clunes fan, therefore had some expectation of entertainment. The flaccid porn pushing was first a surprise then an impediment , to coin a phrase, to take the humor seriously. The overall persona of the film story became VERY dark which gave a feeling one should be wearing a grungy raincoat and sitting on slightly sticky "art theatre" seating. Reflecting, the porn stuff had the flavor or the behind the scenes ones in "Death At A Funeral" if you get my drift. I have walked out of one or two films in my time - difficult to accomplish at home - we looked at each other, said "why" and turned it off 1/2 into part two. I may donate this to my local library for the tax deduction . . . . . or just toss it in the trash. Likely the latter.

I was profoundly disappointed and turned off by "Dirty Tricks." Clunes' character simply did not come across as a lovable rogue like perhaps Steve Martin and Michael Caine played in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels." Instead, he came across as sleazy and despicable.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

<graphic spoilers>

I was particularly put off by a scene where Clunes' character talks dirty to the married woman he wants to seduce while she masturbates in front of him and in front of her oblivious husband. Somehow that managed to be incredibly unbelievable and revolting instead of appealingly raunchy.

<end graphic spoilers>

I hardly object to risque humor. I loved "Dangerous Liaisons" (and "Valmont" which is the same story). But I just found watching that scene made me a feel a bit disgusted and rather than damage the positive image I've got of Clunes from "Doc Martin," I bailed on the film and I would recommend that people skip it.

Dangerous Liaisons

Valmont

I like Martin Clune and based on the singe 4 star review I ordered it. It was horrible, it was boring, but worst of all it was disappointing ! It (to me) was not even remotely funny, the first episode was largely pornographic, the mystery was shallow and predictable. The only reason I watched the second episode was my wife wanted to see the outcome after suffering through the grueling 1st episode