Ian McKellen storms through The Critic as an unapologetically opinionated theatre columnist in 1930s' London who takes no prisoners - but finds his own life under review.
He may be 85 but he brings more energy to tis role than the combined remainder of the cast. That's not a criticism of any one else involved, by the way. It's just a recognition that the man clearly becomes electrified once he hears the word 'Action!' on a film set.
He remains a phenomenal talent and I can only imagine what it's like to experience him perform live on stage.
Anyway. The film.
McKellen leads the charge through 1930s' London - which looks impressively authentic here - as Jimmy Erskine, a larger-than-life theatre critic for The Daily Chronicle newspaper, infamous for savagely taking down any actor unfortunate enough to disappoint him.
He is particularly harsh in his criticism of Nina Land (Gemma Arterton), a leading lady in the making, who has long admired Erskine and seeks his approval.
As well as McKellen and Arterton, The Critic also stars Mark Strong, Ben Barnes, Alfred Enoch, Romola Garai and Lesley Manville, who pops up as Nina's encouraging mother.
Erskine lives as flamboyantly as he writes: he parties into the night, enjoys risque encounters in the park, and cohabitates with his much younger 'secretary' Tom (Alfred Enoch).
But when his paper's proprietor dies and his son (Strong) takes over the business with missionary zeal, Jimmy is told to tone himself down, both in his lifestyle as well as his work, to avoid flouting the publication's newly embraced family values.
With his job security and lifestyle suddenly threatened, he hatches a devious plan, setting off a chain of events that result in some terrible consequences.
The story rattles along after a slightly sluggish start and, despite only crumbs of character development and the odd dubious plot twist, it's an enjoyably cynical tale that's well told.
But McKellen's the ace in the pack here and no mistake.
