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The Legend of Barney Thomson

Play trailer Poster for The Legend of Barney Thomson 2016 1h 36m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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62% Tomatometer 37 Reviews 53% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
A London detective (Ray Winstone) believes a socially awkward barber (Robert Carlyle) may be behind a series of murders in Glasgow, Scotland.
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The Legend of Barney Thomson

The Legend of Barney Thomson

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Critics Consensus

The Legend of Barney Thomson may not quite live up to its grandiose title, but it offers a fine calling card for debuting director Carlyle, and Emma Thompson's performance adds a spark.

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Critics Reviews

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Joey Nolfi Entertainment Weekly 03/10/2016
B+
Scottish actor Robert Carlyle makes a bold impression as a first-time director with Barney Thomson, a brash, dirty little film that's eager to please in devilish ways. Go to Full Review
Liz Braun Toronto Sun 03/04/2016
4/5
You don't have to be a Scot to laugh yourself silly at The Legend of Barney Thomson, although canny viewers will no doubt catch more of the inside references. Go to Full Review
Kate Taylor Globe and Mail 03/04/2016
3/4
Robert Carlyle is excellent as the lugubrious and downtrodden Barney, but as he makes his directorial debut here his rhythm on this deadpan comedy is erratic. Go to Full Review
Jennifer Heaton Alternative Lens 11/02/2018
7.5/10
Ably supported by a strong cast including Ray Winstone and a nearly unrecognisable Emma Thompson, there is certainly some directorial skill in [Robert] Carlyle's bones. Go to Full Review
Abbie Bernstein Assignment X 11/01/2018
B
Carlyle achieves a consistent wry, shaggy dog tone that works on low-key terms. Fans of its stars will be pleased; fans of murder comedies have seen both better and worse. Go to Full Review
Alison Rowat The Herald (Scotland) 08/23/2018
2/5
Making stylish use of its Glasgow locations, Carlyle's black farce about a serial killer moseys along in fine enough fashion, but it suffers from a fatal lack of laughs. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Graham F Feb 20 I thought it was fantastic. Very funny and realistic despite being 'theatrical'. The way the characters spoke to each other was very real whilst the acting was unreal if that makes any sense. I found it scarily depressing in some points: Charlie for example particularly the scene with Barney and his mother at the building-site bonfire where cruelly told him his whole life was basically a lie was. Winstone's 'sole-Englishman' role was brilliant. Was also good seeing day-to-day Glasgow locations looking other-wordly See more Fleces P 08/17/2023 It's one of those Snatch like "everything falls into place" movies that would be a lot better if ... it didn't suck. It's just doesn't have a whole lot to offer. You're better off vacuuming the house or something. At least you walk away from that feeling like you didn't just waste your afternoon. Can't say the same for this film. See more Wolfgang G 01/04/2023 Die Legende von Barney Thomson ist eine britische schwarze Komödie von Robert Carlyle, der außerdem die Hauptrolle übernahm. Der Film basiert nach einem Roman von Douglas Lindsay. Wer den englischen Humor liebt, ist bei „Die Legende von Barney Thomson" auf den richtigen Weg… Robert Carlyle inszenierte eine herrliche Komödie, mit deftigen „schwarzen" Einschüben. Emma Thompson ist einfach hervorragend und überlegen als Cemolina, ja Emma Thompson stiehlt allen die Show! See more Bryan 12/31/2022 This movie is dark and hilarious and should have received much wider acclaim for its originality and exceptional acting. I recommend it to all my friends. See more 09/14/2021 O tipo de filme bizarro e exagerado que amo, humor negro adorável, situações improváveis, ações absurdas, fiquei a rir sozinha, e o plot twist, meu pai, que delicia, regozijei, que mamãe fofa… O que foi aquele final, uau, estranho, doido, insano, amei... See more 08/16/2020 I loved it. Once you get past the thick accents, Robert Carlyle and Emma Thompson are brilliant. I love british wit and watching RC try to lie to the police is a lovely comic relief, and Emma Thompson as his brash, crude mother is hilarious. Highly recommend! See more Read all reviews
The Legend of Barney Thomson

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Movie Info

Synopsis A London detective (Ray Winstone) believes a socially awkward barber (Robert Carlyle) may be behind a series of murders in Glasgow, Scotland.
Director
Robert Carlyle
Producer
Holly Brydson, Brian Coffey, John G. Lenic, Kaleena Kiff
Screenwriter
Richard Cowan, Colin McLaren
Distributor
Gravitas Ventures
Production Co
Telefilm Canada, Sigma, Trinity Works Entertainment, Creative Scotland, Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC)
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 11, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 7, 2016
Runtime
1h 36m
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