Opening Day: 27 April 2006


Synopsis :

A man who runs an alibi service for adulterous husbands gets into a jam with a new client. In trying to remedy the situation, he must rely on an alluring woman who gets his heart racing.

Movie Review:

It seems that in life we have everything covered, including the usage of euphemism in professions. The term “bus driver” is considered mundane. Therefore, we have “bus captain”. Car washer sounds awkward, so the term “grooming technician” is coined. Gardener is out, “landscape technician” is in. In this current day and age, designations seem to have taken higher precedence over monetary remuneration.

In this film “The Alibi”, it is no different. The boss of a company Ray Elliot (Steve Coogan) who runs an alibi company whereby spouses are allowed to let their hair down and commit adultery while being assured of the provision of alibis, Ray seems to be a despicable and shrewd man. As he allows one night flings in exchange for cash and views such actions as acceptable. In Ray Elliot’s own words, “Cynical? No, I’d rather think that’s entrepreneurial.” While others view Ray’s antics as morally and ethically questionable, Ray regards his business as “Risk Management and Consultation”. “The Alibi” therefore sets the ground work for a trip into the inner world of Ray Elliot, where excuses can be fabricated, personalities can be forged and deception is the name of the game.

Ray Elliot seems to have a great and profitable time in this business until one of his clients ends up with a dead body on his bed, with Ray’s name on his client’s hotel check-in book. All hell broke loose. Throw in an aggressive boyfriend of the deceased and a mob boss on his tail, Ray’s haven has been turned into hell. The player has been played. Now, it’s up to Ray’s wits and intelligence to get him out of this mess.

“The Alibi” has the ability to be a great film but it never reaches that level. While the premise and character leads add spontaneity and wit to the narrative, the lack of action in the film saps the essence out of it, leaving a carcass of what-it-might-have-been. First time director Matt Checkowski and Kurt Mattila (both of which have a hand in the visual effects for “Minority Report”) have failed to hit the right notes for the plot to take off. They have overestimated the impact of smooth and witty narrative and underestimated the potential acting abilities of the leads, expecting the narrative to supersede action sequences while shadowing the lead’s acting abilities with complex plotlines.

Steve Coogan does steal the show with his sleek image and his ability to wriggle out of every situation, no matter how dangerous and tricky it is. It’s this elusive nature of his as well as his intelligence and wit that brings out the film. It will be good to bring out the highlight of this film. That is, the gradual cascading of events leading to its climax in the form of a series of set-ups that spirals the films to greater heights. The finale, though thought-provoking, is enlightening and entertaining.

Nevertheless, anyone who is willing to discard action-packed sequences while embracing the good old classic narrative should watch this film. “The Alibi” really shows that Hollywood might not need to rely on computer-generated imagery (CGI) or big-budget production to sell a film. Strong narrative will do the trick. However, simplicity will be a mantra to follow, of which this film has unfortunately neglected.

Nevertheless, catch this film for its interesting banters and indulge yourself as you see one individual pitting his wits against the rest.

You just might like it.

Movie Rating:

Review by Patrick Tay

(Witty and smart, this film does not need an alibi to prove the presence of its sardonic humour)