Story Line: Things aren't going well for once-successful British businessman Pete Thompson (Ifans). His relationship with his long-time girlfriend (Frost) is on the rocks, and his accountant (Fiennes) thinks they should settle a tax bill with money borrowed from the Russian Mafia.
Bottom Line: With the exception of Ifans, who's perfectly suited for his role, the principal players in this darkly amusing drama are definitely slumming. Fiennes, Frost and Fitzgerald deserve--and normally get--classier material. Their performances are up to par, of course, but these particular actors seem out of their normal element playing such characters. The film itself will appeal to those who enjoy the likes of Love, Honor & Obey and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. For the most part it's pretty raw, but there are some savagely funny moments. The lightning pace will occasionally put stateside viewers at a disadvantage, because the rapid-fire British dialogue isn't easily understood. Overall, though, Rancid Aluminum should do reasonably well, especially with such a prominent cast. --Ed Hulse