Steve Coogan plays the disgustingly wealthy Sir Richard McCreadie in darkly comic satire Greed. And Cineworld Unlimited members got to see the movie in advance of its UK release date.
The bullying and ruthless McReadie is a wealthy retail magnate whose professional reputation is tarnished after an inquiry into his working practices. To maintain the image of the gilded, unstoppable billionaire, McReadie throws a decadent 60th birthday in Greece, populated with celebrity lookalikes (after the actual celebrities fail to turn up). And, of course, it's themed after Ridley Scott's Roman epic Gladiator.
Greed is the latest collaboration between Coogan and director Michael Winterbottom, who previously worked to acclaimed effect on the likes of 24 Hour Party People and The Trip. The movie is an unblinking, savagely funny depiction of modern-day capitalism gone mad, so what did Unlimited members make of it?
We'll start with this from Simon Winstanley, who says the movie, although funny, has a more pointed message than he expected.
Personally I really enjoyed it more than I expected, it had some great laughs, went in an unexpected direction and had a strong message behind it. Well worth a watch!
— Simon Winstanley (@SiWroteThis) January 28, 2020
Andy Brown praises Coogan and the rest of the cast, which also includes David Mitchell as McCreadie's long-suffering biographer.
Much much better than I was expecting. The trailer suggested an over-the-top over-acted Steve Coogan vehicle but it was actually a very funny and thought provoking film. The cameos were fun, and David Mitchell was brilliant as always. 8/10 (But be warned: very strong language).
— Andy Brown (@COAPlay) January 28, 2020
Jade Scott Savage says the movie is bound to get viewers thinking about the realities of the fashion industry. Plus, the movie has lots of laughs.
#Film6of2020 was the @cineworld unlimited preview of #Greed - was very funny at times but definitely hit home the harrowing issue of the fashion world taking advantage of unfair labour. I hope it helps to try bring awareness, I will be thinking twice when purchasing!
— Jade Scott Savage (@JadeScottSavage) January 28, 2020
James Acraman says comparisons can be drawn to a certain classic Charles Dickens character (and no, we don't mean David Copperfield).
I really felt the story got my attention, I really enjoyed it, not giving anything away but I really do compare Rich to Scrooge except Rich is more cocky than miserable. The whole cast and crew did a fantastic job, Overall I give the movie a 7.5/10! Well Done Everyone!!!
— James Acraman (@JamesAcraman) January 28, 2020
Nevertheless, the film didn't work for everyone. Kev O'Donnell says the movie's message is too glib to have any real impact.
A crowded, disjointed, blunt instrument of a film with the odd laugh. A better crafted script wouldn’t have needed the Social Conscience lesson in the closing credits. 5/10
— Kev O'Donnell (@BigDaddyKevOD) January 28, 2020
And The Fourth Dimension says the film's frequent changes in tone often led to confusion.
It was an odd film. Very much what you'd expect from Winterbottom, uneven, with some eclectic casting and a very worthy message. Tried to pack too much in (the reality TV parody) but when it worked it was very good
— The Fourth Dimension (@Mike_J_Lord) January 28, 2020
Greed is on wide release in Cineworld cinemas from the 21st of February. If you were at last night's screening, tweet us your reactions @Cineworld and using #CineworldUnlimited.
Your next Cineworld Unlimited screening is heartwarming comedy-drama Military Wives. Kristin Scott Thomas and Sharon Horgan star in this inspirational story, based on true events, about the formation of the first-ever military wives' choir. The film screens in advance on the 11th of February.
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