Character flaws keep 'Greenfingers' from reaching full bloom

The British comedy "Greenfingers" offers itself up, like a bouquet, for our approval, and there's certainly much to like.

The cast is notable, featuring Clive ("Croupier") Owen, he of the sculpted jaw and moody sea-blue eyes, who here plays an incarcerated murderer so hardboiled that he smokes without exhaling. Also on hand are Helen Mirren, decked out in a colorful succession of garden hats that seem to have sprouted on her head; that charming Irish geezer David Kelly; film newcomer Natasha Little, who has an angelically soft smile; and some fine supporting players.

Unfortunately, "Greenfingers" is so darn cute it's like a Meg Ryan movie with accents. Every day is sunny (this is England?), every character is noble, and a wee bit o' gardening solves every problem. And although the film is inspired by actual events, it's not believable, because director/screenwriter Joel Hershman has left out a few crucial elements, such as character and motivation.

"Greenfingers" ** With Clive Owen, Helen Mirren, David Kelly, Warren Clarke, Natasha Little. Written and directed by Joel Hershman. 91 minutes. Rated R for language and some sexuality. Harvard Exit.

The story takes place at the HMP Edgefield, a touchy-feely prison in the Cotswolds. The strapping Colin (Owen) arrives there and meets up with a "Full Monty"-like assortment: Fergus (Kelly), who is waif-like and twinkly; Tony (Danny Dyer), who is young and impetuous; Raw (Adam Fogerty), who is very large and wears sweatshirts with the sleeves ripped off; and Jimmy (Paterson Joseph), who is black. Unfortunately, this is all the detail Hershman gives us about these characters. They aren't people; they're demographically chosen types.

Our five blokes, encouraged to discover meaningful work, begin cultivating a garden on Edgefield's grounds. Despite the lads coming to blows occasionally over where to put the daffodils, the result is lovely. Cue the entrance of flamboyant garden writer Georgina Woodhouse (Mirren) and her winsome daughter Primrose (Little), and the announcement of the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. From here, all progresses as if being checked off on a list: something romantic, something unjust, something sad and, ultimately, something happy.

All this is certainly no hardship to watch; cinematographer John Daly has shot the film handsomely, the costumer has a sense of humor (Mirren gardens in pearls and veils) and the talented cast work overtime to bring some nuance to their roles. But it feels like empty calories.

It's certainly nice that the surly and disillusioned Colin finds fulfillment in gardening — but how did it happen? One moment he's telling prison officials that he doesn't care what he does; next moment he's watering Fergus' begonia; and suddenly he's staring into the eyes of his parole board earnestly talking about how he can "give life" through gardening. And Georgina makes a 180-degree turn: Late in the film, she goes from disapproval to approval, with nothing in between.

"Greenfingers" will likely be hyped as "the next 'Full Monty' "; an appellation that's been the death of many small British films since the 1997 hit. Let's just hope Owen, Mirren and all find something fresher next time.

Moira Macdonald can be reached at 206-464-2725 or mmacdonald@seattletimes.com.