THE FORECOURT PIMPERNEL (2001)
REVIEWS

FILMSON.COM REVIEW: A-
WRITTEN BY: Billy

This is a funny, enjoyable, and politically relevant film that's well worth a look. The writing is snappy and fresh, the performances are very strong, and the mixture of realistic-looking news footage and traditional narrative creates a tone that suggests that this story could really happen.

Despite the folks on the street who claim that crime isn't the answer, the antihero is increasing popular with both British and American audiences. And since everybody hates to pay for gasoline, the Pimpernel is easy to root for. Jack Slip, the strangely wealthy and upper-crusty police inspector, is great as the unlikable authority figure.

Most people are familiar with the old pump-and-run, but this flick raises the act to the level of political protest, and provides a good many laughs while doing it.

SOUTHERN ARTS FILM REVIEW 2001
WRITTEN BY: James Ratcliff

Simon Mason's The Forecourt Pimpernel follows the progress of Inspector Slip, the Met's finest, in pursuit of the eponymous anti-hero, a mysterious man who drives away from petrol stations without paying. Filmed last June and pre-empting the petrol crisis that gripped the nation, this is a Chris Morris style meta-fictional satire. The filmmaker was evidently given a considerable budget and has used it well. The sets are lavish and Mason uses computer animation and advanced post-production techniques to great effect.