When I first heard that Actor Leo Gregory was reuniting with Author Dougie Brimson on a project, I got nice and excited. When I found out that not only was Leo taking the centre stage role but joining him on the cast list was one of my favourite actresses Lorraine Stanley, I began counting down the months until the film came out.

Today I nipped out during a rainstorm (not even really nasty weather could stop me) and purchased ‘Top Dog’, the project I was just referring to.

This evening, Annette and I sat down to watch the DVD on our nice large screen TV. So what did we think?

Firstly though, lets sum up what Top Dog is about. The IMDB has the film listed as such.

“London bad boy Billy Evans gets in over his head when he joins a dangerous criminal gang.”

Id pretty much agree with that, but for me the film was Billy Evans gets in over his head when he tries to protect his Aunties pub from protection racketeers.  No real spoilers there, dont worry.

There is of course far more to the film than just those few lines, but lets not turn this article into a plot summary. All you need to know is that Billy Evans (played by Leo Gregory) wants to do the right thing but the world in which he inhabits has other things in mind. We all think we are doing the right thing, even when others look and see that we arent walking the right path.

So, after a paragraph of digression, what did I think of Dougie Brimsons latest story, wonderfully directed by Martin Kemp. Loved it!

Firstly, what I love about the work Dougie Brimson creates (he previously wrote the story for Green Street, the first film I recall seeing Leo Gregory in) is that even though Green Street & Top Dog can be classed as football films, they arent really. They are filled with emotionally rich characters and even the fact that I am not a football fan, and could barely name three football players, that takes nothing away from my enjoyment of the films. I love how Dougie Brimson does that, his stories work whether you like the sport or dont like the sport. Thanks for that Dougie Brimson.

Secondly, Top Dog is filled with a fantastic supporting cast. From Vincent Regan (Hard Men, Vendetta) in the role of ‘Watson’ , Lorraine Stanley (London to Brighton, Cass) who is always on top form, this time in the role of ‘Julie’, and  Ricci Harnett who plays the crazy role of Mickey, who is intent on ruling his world and not letting anyone get in his way. It was fantastic to see Ricci in this role as I have been used to seeing him in films such as Rise Of The Footsoldier playing the anti-hero.  Lets see Ricci play more roles like this, I say.

And then there is the wonderful (as always) Leo Gregory in the role of ‘Billy Evans’ a man who gets himself over his head and realises it but no way can he back down. Leo is always great to see on screen, whether it be in previous roles such as Wild Bill (where he played a similar role to that of Billy Evans) or in up and coming projects such as Northmen (where he plays a Viking raider), Ive been a fan of Leos for a long time.

He never lets me down in a film, Lorraine Stanley never lets me down in a film and Ricci Harnett never lets me down in a film. Stick those three in a wonderfully written story by a guy like Dougie Brimson and I am sold.

The film looks beautiful with fantastic cinematography by Haider Zafar (who also worked on the up and coming JK Amalou film Assassin starring Danny Dyer), Great work Haider.

I cant fault Top Dog at all, not that I would want to. Its a wonderfully put together film, with a fantastic cast and includes a fantastic story that isnt at all far fetched or ‘Hollywood’

A really good evenings entertainment. Later this week I plan to check out the commentary which includes Author Dougie Brimson, Really looking forward to his thoughts. Roll on Top Dog 2. If there is one.

Heres the trailer.