Leslie Felperin 

The Last Sparks of Sundown review – can’t quite catch fire

Some goofy banter and catchy folk ditties are the best thing about this hammy, predictable British comedy
  
  

Fitfully amusing … Shenoah Allen (left) and Mark Chavez in The Last Sparks of Summer
Fitfully amusing … Shenoah Allen (left) and Mark Chavez in The Last Sparks of Summer Photograph: pr

This only fitfully amusing but affable British comedy features Mark Chavez and Shenoah Allen as two American brothers, both struggling actors, who inherit a sprawling country estate from their grandfather (voiced by Geoffrey Palmer, who narrates from beyond the grave). However, their plans to sell up and settle their debts hit a snag when they find a comely housekeeper (the eminently likable Emily Bevan) and her aged grandmother (Sara Kestelman, giving it full-on Little Edie realness with a turban and disdainful side glances) squatting in the property. Writer-director James Kibbey and the cast occasionally lob in a bit of well-timed goofy banter but the plotting is too predictable and the performances too hammy and broad, especially the gurning, grating Allen. Jaunty, silly folk ditties brighten up the soundtrack, especially a last daft tune performed by Bevan herself over the closing credits, about ways to die.

 

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