The Legend of Barney Thomson

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The Legend of Barney Thomson

2016

1h 36m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

62%

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37 Reviews

53%

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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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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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Joey Nolfi

Entertainment Weekly

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.

Rated: B+

Mar 10, 2016

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Liz Braun

Toronto Sun

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.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 4, 2016

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Kate Taylor

Globe and Mail

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.

Rated: 3/4

Mar 4, 2016

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Jennifer Heaton

Alternative Lens

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.

Rated: 7.5/10

Nov 2, 2018

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Abbie Bernstein

Assignment X

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.

Rated: B

Nov 1, 2018

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Alison Rowat

The Herald (Scotland)

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.

Rated: 2/5

Aug 23, 2018

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Graham F

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

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/20/25

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Fleces P

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.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

08/17/23

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Wolfgang G

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!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/04/23

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Bryan

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/31/22

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Audience Member

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...

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

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Audience Member

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!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/01/23

Full Review

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Robert Carlyle

Director

Robert Carlyle

Barney

Emma Thompson

Cemolina

Ray Winstone

Holdall

Ashley Jensen

Detective Inspector June Robertson

Tom Courtenay

Chief Superintendent McManaman

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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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