A GROUP of TV types take to the big screen this week for a rather corny comedy about Humberside amateur rugby league - Up 'N' Under.

The cast - including Gary Olsen (2.4 Children), Samantha Janus (Game On) and Neil Morrissey (Men Behaving Badly) - provide a few laughs.

But long before that, it's clear that British cinema needs more than just familiar faces.

Adapted by John Godber from his own stage play, the average viewer may expect more from the film because this is his writing/directing debut.

But many will be disappointed by the sitcom stretched over an hour-and-a-half.

Then again there will be others who enjoy the carry-on type humour of fitness coach Janus usually half-dressed and baring all to the rugby team.

The comedy-drama pits Gary Olsen's (Arthur) useless pub rugby team against Tony Slattery's (Reg) unbeaten side.

Reg is the rich and slimy manager of ace team Cobbler's Arms. Everyone hates him but none so much as former rugby league pro Arthur, who bets him he can coach any team to bet Reg's.

So Reg suggests The Wheatsheaf Arms - who only have five players. Naturally, Arthur bets his life savings and the fun continues from there.

He doesn't back out when he sees them play, instead dusting off his old boots to join and coach them.

But he has a few tricks up he sleeve, enlisting a gym owner (Janus) to get them fit and put them in the right direction, so to speak.

Olsen is a sound character and worthy of a few giggles but Morrissey gets all the big chuckles because he brings with him Men Behaving Badly's Tony into some daft but amusing scenes.

It is cast rather than character-driven and a potentially good TV comedy but unfortunately Up 'N' Under doesn't really rate at the cinema.

Showing this week at the Regal Cinema, Northwich, and selected cinemas across the country.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.