Alan Partridge: Coogan’s back playing the hits

In the early ’90s, British actor Steve Coogan began playing Alan Partridge, an egotistical radio (and sometimes television) show host. The role established Coogan as one of Britain’s top comedic actors. A film based on the beloved character has been in the works for nearly decade and, after opening to rave reviews in the UK last year, has finally just arrived on pay-per-view here in the States. While the film doesn’t consistently deliver laugh after laugh, it stands on its own (no backstory required) and has plenty of good moments.

The plot centers on the corporate takeover of one of a sleepy radio station in Norfolk, a small English town. When a new company comes in, Partridge throws fellow DJ Pat Farrell (Colm Meaney) under the bus in the attempt to save his own job. Alan literally writes “sack Pat” on a dry erase board as execs are figuring out their downsizing plan. Pat reacts to his newfound redundancy by taking co-workers hostage in fit of rage. Not realizing that his friend was behind his firing, Pat requests that Alan serve as his intermediary in police negotiations.

In typical fashion, Alan basks in the attention and sees it as an opportunity for exposure in the mainstream media, which has been relentlessly covering the siege. But Alan commits one blunder after another. At one point, he accidentally locks himself out of the office, losing his pants in the process. Eventually, he and Pat begin hosting a live radio call-in program and playing whatever random music they want. Of course, this serves as a commentary of sorts on the state of commercial radio and Alan and Pat reminisce about the days when DJs had more freedom.

The film’s message never becomes too heavy-handed, and the emphasis rightly remains on the ridiculous things that Alan says and does as he’s in the middle of what should be an intense situation. The fact that the movie’s irreverent attitude doesn’t come off as offensive is a testament to Coogan and Meaney’s skills as comedic actors. They both have fantastic comic timing. Even if the material here isn’t a bit understated and not always consistently funny, these two have such chemistry and they keep the film entertaining.