I will abstain from rating this 3 part movie because after watching part one I was so annoyed by the fatal plot flaw that I lost interest in watching the rest. The acting was good, the premise intriguing, but, from the beginning, the story revolves around the unlikely assumption that Marcey, the caterer, would put herself at risk by assisting a possible murderer, lying to the police and essentially becoming an accomplice. As the plot unfolds she gets in deeper and deeper ... why??? Why would any reasonable person do that? Sorry, I just couldn't buy it.

The answer to the question "Can murder be funny?" is yes. Not in reality mind you but in film and novel form it's been used as a humorous element and will most likely be used as such again in the future. This week Acorn is releasing the 2003 British limited series ALIBI. And the answer to that question is very apparent.Greg (Michael Kitchen) has decided to throw a surprise anniversary party for his wife Linda (Phyllis Logan). It's an expense he can't truly afford but his affection for his wife is such that he thinks she deserves it. The event is catered and one of the catering staff is Marcey (Sophie Okonedo). Pleased to see a happy couple her happiness is short lived when she notices one of the guests, Greg's partner Martin (Tom Knight) make an affectionate gesture towards Linda who responds in kind.When all is said and done the catering staff heads home when Marcey realizes she left her purse. She heads back on her own only to find Greg dragging the dead body of Martin across the floor. At first threatening to call the police he tells her it was an accident. They were arguing, he punched him and when he fell he hit his head.Something about Greg strikes a chord with Marcey and she believes him. She helps him by telling him how to get rid of the body and goes about cleaning the room where it happened. Greg somewhat botches his end when the car catches fire drawing attention to it soon after.As Marcey returns to her daytime job at the local public assistance office, Greg panics and calls her. She meets him and tries to calm him down but all he can do is think something terrible is going to happen to him. To help him along Marcey agrees to work in his office just until things are settled.As the police investigate we wonder if Linda was indeed having an affair with Martin or not. And did Greg accidentally kill him or was it planned out in advance? And what other things were going on behind the scenes that none of the three main characters were aware of? It all unfolds in this 3 part story that switches from thriller to murder mystery to comedy in equal parts along the way.One of the nice things about the invention of DVD is that movies and shows from other countries are readily available and at prices that aren't outrageous. It gives viewers an opportunity to experience a vast number of movies, programs and series that we otherwise would have no access to. This is an excellent example of what I am talking about.The acting here is wonderful with a standout performance from Kitchen as Greg, fluctuating from rapid paced anxiety to full on anger to flustered cuckold. Okonedo does an excellent job as well as the calm woman who agrees to help someone who is could likely a murderer avoid detection and incarceration. And Logan as the beleaguered wife who may or may not be having an affair does a tremendous job as well.The odds of finding this in a rental kiosk or store are highly unlikely but for fans of British television, mysteries with a tinge of humor and something different than the standard DVD fare will want to seek this one out. While at first I wondered what would happen next by the third episode I found myself laughing aloud at the antics on screen. For entertainment value this is one worth seeking out.

"Alibi" tells of a British businessman who unwittingly kills his wife's lover, is serendipitously befriended by a young woman who provides his alibi, and becomes becomes embroiled in the cover-up, police investigation, discoveries of more sinister malfeasance, domestic issues, and more. Shot in the usual made-for-TV Brit no frills style with nonstop dialogue, this very civilized flick is sufficiently busy and twisty to hold interest for most of the 2.5 hour run. On the upside is a solid cast offering good performances. On the downside is mediocre production value and no subtitles or CC. Probably a worthwhile small screener for those into contemporary Brit dramas. (B-)

STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All CostsAlibi is a gripping and thoroughly engaging TV movie thriller,with believable characters in believable situations.This is given extra credence thanks to the realistic,down-to-earth performances from the two leads,Michael Kitchen and Sophie Okelondo.They are given no sassy dialogue or outlandish situations to perform with,which,in this instance,has been for the better.The story manages to keep you gripped over it's two part duration,with it's clever and entertaining twists and turns.Be warned,though,as it's not all great.The director allows the pace to drag a bit in parts,there is an unwelcome comedy element spewing over things and the ending is the very definition of anti climatic.Still,it's a very audacious and well made effort for ITV1 to herald,and is well worth catching if you haven't seen it already.***