Full Throttle

I bought this DVD on the erroneous assumption that it was a comedy. With Rowan Atkinson as the star, my first thought was of "Mr. Bean," "Black Adder" and most of his other terrific comedic roles. Not that Atkinson can't do drama, but because comedy is what I know him for. And even the picture on the cover of the DVD, with Atkinson looking, to me, like a villainous racer -- face and coveralls covered with dirt -- had me believing it was a comedy. I never even questioned it. But when I watched it I found that it is not a comedy at all. It's actually the true story of Sir Henry Birkin, a British race car driver of the 1920s and '30s. And it was fairly interesting. Probably would be of great interest to someone more familiar with Birkin. This was the first I've heard of him. But watching Rowan Atkinson is always a treat, whether he's going for laughs or playing it serious like he does here. So, this was not what I expected, but was enjoyable thanks to Atkinson. But for anyone looking strictly for comedy, this isn't the place to look. I probably wouldn't have commented on this, if not for the fact that no comment had been submitted for it. And if there had been one, that would've been helpful when I was making a decision to purchase the DVD. So, this is for you.