WILSON

Cert Running time

Since Woody Harrelson found fame as a dim barman in TV’s Cheers, he’s been a reliably entertaining and muscular comic star in a busy career. Occasionally the 55-year-old is accused of acting – and has deservedly picked up two Oscar nominations.

One of my favourite actors, he’s at the centre of everything that’s good about this oddball black comedy drama.

Based on the graphic novel of the same name by Daniel Clowes, Harrelson stars as a curmudgeonly couch potato who re-evaluates his life when his dad dies.

His life spirals when he decides to track down his wayward ex-wife, Pippi. With tattoos and scarecrow hair, Laura Dern is more than Wilson’s match.

The sweary script is full of eccentric performances and gripes about modern technology and merrily mocks the moneyed middle class.

However, it has a sweet heart and is disappointingly as enamoured of second chances and the importance of family as any mainstream Hollywood film.