Dir: Conor McPherson. UK-Ire-US-Ger. 2002. 92mins

The Actors is the kind of film that was more fun to make than to watch. A ragged, lightweight romp with more energy than credibility, it is a curious disappointment considering the track record of the talents involved. Based on a story by Neil Jordan, it lacks the wit or character development that would encourage any emotional engagement in a manic farce of thieves and thespians, disguise and deceit. The combination of Michael Caine and rising comedy star Dylan Moran may attract some initial business on the film's UK release by Momentum on May 16, but nobody should anticipate bravos, curtain calls or long runs for this effort.

Describing itself as a 'film in five acts', The Actors immediately acknowledges its theatricality and never manages to distract from the broad brush strokes storytelling and flimsy characters more appropriate to a Christmas pantomime than a substantial screen comedy. Michael Caine has played more than his fair share of ham actors and second rate thespians (Sweet Liberty, Without A Clue, Noises Off etc) but even he seems a little off his game in this setting. Gamely donning hump and prosthetic nose as Richard III or dressed in drag for the climax, he is never less than the complete, committed professional but still seems defeated by the superficiality of the piece.

Endearing himself to a number of Dublin low-lifes as part of his research into the nature of evil, Caine's Shakespearean stalwart Anthony O'Malley hits on the perfect, money-making scam. Petty crook Barreller (Gambon) owes £50,000 to notorious London gangster Magnani (Richardson). The two business associates have never met so anyone with a little acting skill and a flair for disguise could easily profit from the situation. O'Malley persuades his young protege Tom (Moran) that he is the man for the job. Transformed into East End hard man Clive, he manages to pull off the deception and steal the money. Naturally, it is not quite as simple as that, especially when Magnani's true representative arrives seeking payment in full and the plan starts to unravel.

The Actors rushes from one improbable development to the next without allowing the characters room to breath or blossom. The audience do not know who these people are or what motivates them and seem expected to take everything on good faith. That might have worked if the film were uproariously funny or filled with snappy one-liners but not when it comes across as mechanical in its plotting and hysterical in its execution.

In his first major film role, Dylan Moran reveals the kind of comic flair that should ensure him further opportunities, while inveterate scene-stealer Michael Gambon offers precious little moments as bemused, warmhearted villain Barreller. A jaunty jig of a score from Michael Nyman and glowing cinematography from Seamus McGarvey ensure that at least on a technical level the film is polished and appealing.

Prod co: FilmFour, Company Of Wolves, Four Provinces Films, Miramax Films, Senator Int'l, Irish Film Board
Int'l sales: Portman Film
UK dist: Momentum
Exec prods: Paul Webster, Hanno Huth, Rod Stoneman
Prods: Stephen Woolley, Neil Jordan, Redmond Morris
Scr: McPherson from a story by Neil Jordan
Cinematography: Seamus McGarvey
Prod des: Mark Geraghty
Ed: Emer Reynolds
Music: Michael Nyman
Main cast: Michael Caine, Dylan Moran, Michael Gambon, Lena Headey, Miranda Richardson, Michael McElhatton