New Films: Keep the Aspidistra Flying (12) Directed by Robert Bierman How to be a Player (18) Directed by Lionel C Martin 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag (15) Directed by Tom Schulman
There are three new laugh-free comedies to choose from this week.
Keep the Aspidistra Flying is an adaptation of George Orwell's 1936 novel about an advertising copywriter who longs to be a poet. Richard E Grant works hard in the lead role, but the film is drab and condescending and positively dares you to have a good time.
How to be a Player is a black Alfie, following a young stud through a day of conquests; it will bore or offend anyone who isn't a promiscuous, misogynist, heterosexual male.
And 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag proves that directors don't know what to do with Joe Pesci any more. As a gangster delivering the eponymous cargo to a mob boss, he looks lost and confused, a not-very-goodfella.
All films open today
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies