In Review Alan Partridge Alpha Papa

It's been over a decade since Alan Partridge first graced our airwaves, bringing us an awkwardly geeky, often innapropriate radio show, straight out of the North Norfolk Digital radio station. Finally, the Steve Coogan led show has followed in the footsteps of many of its modern day comedy counterparts, and bagged its self a slot on the big screen- in Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa.

Packed full of the usual dorkish quips we've come to expect from Partridge, you'll be pleased to know that the translation from small to big screen doesn't alter a jot of the lead characters incredibly odd radio presenting style and personality:

"We're asking, what is the worst monger? Iron, fish...rumour...or war?"

Alpha Papa follows Partridge as he navigates a corporate takeover of his beloved North Norfolk Digital radio station- which oddly manages to turn into an armed siege.

After being coerced by fellow presenter Pat Farrel (Colm Meaney) to ask for peace of mind on their job security, following the station being given a new, youthful edge, Partridge stands in front of the station's new board of directors with every intention of helping out his compatriot.

Obviously this doesn't go quite to plan, as he slaps a director with his leather driving glove, whilst creaming "SILENCE!" in a strong German accent. Make of that what you will.

It is during the meeting that Partridge crashes to deliver his 'Importance of Pat and Alan' speech, that he notices it is either him or Pat who are on the chopping block. Obviously the self righteous presenter makes his case for saving his own skin, by scrawling 'JUST SACK PAT' on a flip chart. Subtle.

Surprise, surprise, Pat gets the sack. Angry, and with a screw or two loose, he returns to the radio stations' launch party- bringing a gift that no one was expecting; a shotgun. He takes the new owners hostage, then reveals that he will only talk to the police through Partridge; having no idea that his friend well and truly screwed him over.

Cue Partridge entering the hostage situation, in an attempt to save everyone in there. However, he soon realises that the event has created a huge media circus that he'd be daft not to make the most of. Possibly some of the funniest scenes of the film feature during Alan and Pat's time together in the hostage situation- from continuing to host all of the shows, to Pat forcing the owners to make him new jingles at gun point, and of course, some horrifically awkward Alan Partridge moments, including dangling from a window upside down, with no trousers on.

The turning point in the film comes when Partridge has a change of heart. He see's the damage that the new owners have done to his beloved radio station, and turns his media attention into a crusade against them. Pat and Alan decide to take their show on the road, using North Norfolk Digital's big yellow tour bus to cause a huge tailback of police cars. It is during the ride that Pat works out Alan was the one who pushed for his sacking, and the film climaxes in a stand off on Cromer pier.

Alan gets shot in the shoulder, and obviously massively dramatizes his wounds:

"That's blood trickling from my mouth, isn't it?" "No Alan, it's just spit." "Oh. Ok."

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa is absolutely ridiculous. From Pat's contraption to keep a gun on Alan's co presenter without being in the room, to the way in which Partridge comes out to negotiate with police, only to play to the crowd outside the radio station instead, Alpha Papa carries on Alan Partridge's absurd legacy to pure precision, resulting in a real triumph for Great British comedy, crammed with wonderfully daft wit: "I am siege face" and traditionally inappropriate radio chatter:

"I've just been having a fascinating conversation with Norfolk's most sun-tanned child".

We've missed you Alan.

8/10

Ryan J Gray