Watch The Martins

The Martins is a British comedy film from 2001 that tells the story of a dysfunctional family who win the lottery and decide to live the high life. The film stars Lee Evans as Robert Martin, a downtrodden and unhappy postman who is constantly being abused by his boss at work. His wife Angie, played by Kathy Burke, is equally unhappy in her job as a supermarket worker, and their son, Little Bob, played by Eric Byrne, is a bullied schoolboy who dreams of being a rapper.

The film begins with the Martins buying a lottery ticket and soon discovers that they have won £27 million. This sudden windfall completely changes their lives, and the Martins decide to leave their council house and move to a posh neighborhood where they begin to live the high life. They buy a mansion, a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, and expensive cars. They also hire a butler, played by Lloyd Harvey, to cater to their every need.

As the family settles into their new luxurious lifestyle, they begin to realize that money cannot buy happiness. Robert becomes paranoid about the security of the family's fortune, and he starts to suspect everyone around him, including his best friend Tommy, played by Sean Gallagher. Angie, on the other hand, is bored and frustrated with no real purpose in life, and Little Bob is still struggling to fit in at school, despite his new wealth.

The film is a laugh-out-loud comedy that pokes fun at the British class system and satirizes the desire for quick riches. The Martins are a working-class family who suddenly come into a vast sum of money, and in their quest to live like the rich and famous, they lose sight of what is essential in life. However, throughout the film, the family learns valuable lessons about the true meaning of happiness and the importance of family.

Lee Evans gives an outstanding performance as Robert Martin, the beleaguered postman turned lottery winner, and he brings a sense of realism and comedy to the role. Kathy Burke also delivers a strong performance as Angie, Robert's weary and downtrodden wife, and her character's transformation from a bored supermarket worker to a confident and assertive woman is one of the film's highlights. Eric Byrne is also excellent as Little Bob, and his portrayal of a young boy trying to navigate his newfound wealth is both relatable and entertaining.

The Martins is not just a comedy but also a heartwarming tale of family values and the importance of humility. The film's message is clear: Money cannot buy happiness, and family is the most valuable asset of all. Director Tony Grounds, who also wrote the screenplay, infuses the film with wit, humor, and heart, and the result is a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

In summary, The Martins is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy that will leave you laughing and feeling uplifted. The film's strong cast, led by the talented Lee Evans, bring the characters to life, and the screenplay is sharp and witty. The Martins is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good comedy or a heartwarming family film.