Customer Reviews

Full Throttle

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an interesting biography of eccentric racing demon Sir Henry "Tim" Birkin whose racing victories in the 1920's and 30's are still legendry. Rather than leaning on a whole life biography, the film allows Rowan Atkinson (as Birkin)to explain the things that were most important to him, racing itself and his rivalry and friendship with the "Bentley Boys". It includes some great vintage and faux vintage footage. The best part of this short classic program is the exceptional acting. Rowan Atkinson shines. Geoffrey Palmer's short role as Birkin's father is excellent."Ghost writer" Crispen Bonham-Carter is extremely believable and Ken Kitson(as Birkin's right hand man)shows off his superb supporting skills. My one criticism is that they tried to cram too much into one hour. This should have been extended into it's own mini series for depth.

I don't know anything about cars or car racing. I watched this movie because it starred Rowan Atkinson. I had originally thought it would be a comedy, but it's not, although there are a few times when it is a bit funny because Rowan Atkinson's delivery of a couple different lines reminded me of his Blackadder character. The movie is successful because it made me interested in car racing. Not enough really for me to become a fan, but enough that I wanted to learn more about Sir Henry (Tim) Birkin, and Bentley Motors, and the early days of car racing. (And even about the motorcycle TT races, where his brother Archie died, and about speed boat racing, which his sister did, and also about the character Tiger Tim (where he got his nickname).) A pretty good movie. Good performances. Fans of "As Time Goes By" will recognise Geoffrey Palmer as Birkin's father Sir Stanley, and fans of "Eastenders" will recognize the actor Gavin Richards (who played Terry Raymond) who plays W.O. Bentley. A very enjoyable movie, even if like me you are not particularly interested in car racing. There are some great performances.

A very entertaining film about Henry "Tim" Birkin, a british gentleman racing driver of the thirties. Great vintage car scenes, and quite true to the real history, unlike so many racing films. Good fun, and worth searching out.

I found it to be rather boring at times and just not the same after watching Rowan in Mr. Bean but to each his own.

This is clean good fun no doubt. But at times I felt the story a bit haphazard. Could have been a little more careful editing. But overall a good movie. L Waziullah. Dallas, Texas.