Cert - 15

Run-time - 1 hour 39 minutes

Director - Tom Kingsley

An improv teacher (Bryce Dallas Howard) and two struggling students (Orlando Bloom, Nick Mohammed) employed to provide proof for minor sting operations find themselves brought into a city-spanning criminal operation.

Deep Cover is a film that feels as if it could so easily go wrong in forcing its own laughs and situations, but by fully embracing the 'yes, and' spirit of improv it throws its characters further into a criminal underworld with a consistent air of humour.

Improv teacher Kat (Bryce Dallas Howard) is asked by tough Detective Billings (Sean Bean) to lead minor sting operations to prove illegal operations in small shops. She brings along two students, character-obsessed method actor Marlon (Orlando Bloom) and socially awkward Hugh (Nick Mohammed), attending classes in the hope of raising laughs with his workmates.

Stumbling in their first attempt the trio find themselves being welcomed into London's criminal underworld, led by figures such as Paddy Considine and Ian McShane - both appearing to be having fun with their roles. The three leads manage to bring in a good few chuckles throughout, particularly Mohammed who echoes some of his Ted Lasso persona - although the biggest laugh comes from Bloom's advertising mascot Pizza Knight - and maintain consistency as what they uncover becomes much darker.

On their tail, unknowing about Bean's employing the group, are police officer double act Dawes and Beverley, played by Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen. Ashenden and Owen receive co-writer credits having been brought on board by Colin Trevorrow.

The pair moved the events from America to London and with that bring an energy which fits the location and style of comedy the film is aiming for. More aware and engaging you with the characters without as much self-seriousness in the performances.

This even comes through in the occasional appearances from British comedy talent outside of the main starry cast. Additionally, director Tom Kingsley also has background directing multiple episodes of acclaimed recent sitcoms Stath Lets Flats and Ghosts, of which there are one or two hints here in scenes which take a slight step away from the main under cover operation; and the relationship between Mohammed's flustered character and gang associate Shosh (Sonoya Mizuno)

With this influence an energy is brought to the film that keeps it moving amongst a just over 90-minute run-time. Yes, not every gag might land, but there's enough that do to help with the flow of the overall narrative. One which provides enough amusement to make for perhaps better-than-expected viewing, even if it occasionally slows down with one too many asides or 'yes, and's.

But, for what's done right there's likable and amusing viewing to be found in Deep Cover, with the tweaks made to its setting, and the push of British talent, it feels as if a push has been made to successfully lift it up. Holding a good few chuckles and a successful embrace of improv spirit in each of its developments.

Three stars