24 Hour Party People: directed by Michael Winterbottom

MUCH TO MY surprise, this self-serving cinematic essay about and around Anthony H. Wilson of Factory and Haçienda fame is a resounding success. It's extremely witty and engaging, and a sharp study of Madchester mores from Buzzcocks to Happy Mondays and beyond. Uncle Tony is played as an endearing pillock — Alan Partridge on drugs with a floppy fringe — but it works whether you like Steve Coogan or not. ("The biggest cunt in Manchester played by the second biggest cunt," grunted New Order's Hookie on hearing of the casting.)