Low-rent Get Carter lacks edge

Michael Caine shines as the East End low-rent boxing promoter desperate to get his son (ex-Corrie pin-up Matthew Marsden) into the big league. Martin Landau, as the big-time Yank with other plans, is useful, too. But as for the rest of the cast - were they paid to throw the film? I've seen more convincing performances by blokes in decorator's overalls being interrogated at the dole office.

Do we detect a desperate attempt to cash in on the current cult status of Get Carter? Desperately sad to watch a lovely little film about old East Enders whose time has disappeared up its own jacksie. Let's remember, Jack Carter's a big man but he's out of shape.

Verdict: Duller.