Plot

Desperate for fame and not content with the small-time business he runs in Leeds with his girlfriend (Aikman) and best mate (Bishop), Yorkshire businessman Keith Lemon (Francis) heads to a London convention in order to branch out. However, when he’s handed a new mobile phone to sell, Lemon hits it big and becomes a rich, overnight sensation who manages to bag Kelly Brook…

Review

If nothing else, Keith Lemon: The Film confirms what many of us suspected all along: That the idea of having comedian Leigh Francis’ alter-ego make the leap to the big-screen was a terrible one. While Francis’ crude (and undoubtedly committed) shtick has proved a huge success on the undeniably funny comedy panel show Celebrity Juice, the humour just doesn’t translate. On TV, sure, Lemon’s shock-factor style and inappropriate comments work to create a spontaneous atmosphere where his revolving panel of guests all have a laugh as willing participants, and the results are often hilarious. But here, however, all the regurgitated catchphrases (“I’m gonna smash your back doors in!”, “Ooooosht!” etc), previous characters (UK garage sensation Craig David, Mel B) and celebrity pal cameos merely feel like tired retreads. Yes, the rags-to-riches story could be noted as a ‘satirical’ look at the fleeting, overnight nature of fame and celebrity, but apart from the odd moment (a bus having “T’ Leeds” as its destination was worth a smirk) there are no genuinely laughs (in truth, the blooper reel was the most amusing part). Indeed, aside from a surprisingly game Kelly Brook and a thanklessly endearing performance from Laura Aikman as Lemon’s girlfriend (someone give her something decent), there aren’t many positives to take away. Oh well, back to Juice then…

Verdict

If nothing else, Keith Lemon: The Film confirms what many of us suspected all along: That the idea of having comedian Leigh Francis’ alter-ego make the leap to the big-screen was a terrible one as the humour just doesn’t translate.