For spot-on characterisation, narrative drive and sheer humanity,
the short that made Shane Meadows' name compares well to most features.
With more than a nod to Mean Streets-era Scorsese, it's the tale of a
group of inept crooks, one of whom wants to go straight but is constantly
dragged down by his embarrassing mate (played by Meadows himself).
What makes it special is the director's unerring grasp of
relationships and their dynamics: whether it's male bonding and
status posturing, girl talk, or arguments in the bedroom, he knows what
makes us tick - and isn't afraid to show it all.
