Alan Partridge

British comedian and actor Steve Coogan is probably best known in the U.S. for starring alongside Judi Dench in the Oscar-nominated drama Philomena. In England, however, Coogan was a TV superstar long before his film career took off. He is especially beloved for playing a character named Alan Partridge—a self-absorbed, socially inappropriate media-broadcast personality—on several series. (Both Ricky Gervais's yammering, filter-less David Brent character on the original British version of The Office and Will Ferrell's outrageous Ron Burgundy in the Anchorman films owe something to Alan Partridge.) Directed by Declan Lowney, Alan Partridge brings the motormouth misfit to the big screen while showcasing the actor's comic mastery. The transition isn't entirely smooth—the movie often feels like a succession of sketch ideas—but it's a good platform for Partridge's blend of awkward patter, narcissism, and utter cravenness. Colm Meaney costars as Pat Farrell, a late-night radio host at a station where Partridge is a mid-morning DJ. When new management sacks Farrell, he brings a gun to the office and holds everyone hostage. This crisis puts Partridge and his considerable ego in the spotlight as he secretly helps (and alienates) the police, stages an embarrassing escape through a window, and even replicates Al Pacino's “Attica” scene from Dog Day Afternoon. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “making-of” featurette (12 min.), an AXS TV featurette (3 min.), a behind-the-scenes featurette (2 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a fun showcase for Coogan's signature character.] (T. Keogh)