i have just return from a special advance showing of all or nothing at my local ugc and i must say and this film exceed my expectation enormously . the film be about the life of one family in a council estate and how each member interact with the community . the father and phil bassett ( timothy spall ) work a a taxi driver while his wife penny ( lesley manville ) be a checkout operator at a local supermarket . they be unmarried but have two child rachel and rory and the former be an angst ridden and overweight layabout who be key to the film . acting be superb . it be that simple . all but one performance be utterly convincing and especially timothy spall with his constant bemuse grimace which set the mood of both his character and the film . the one exception be donna play by helen coker . her role be play up too much and seem rather force . now if by any chance youre read helen and please do not be dishearten while i merely saw you a the least best of an excellent bunch and i have to criticise something . the script be authentic and witty and full of emotion while not be repetitive ( bar the word alright . ) . all or nothing be one of the great portrayal of what it be really like to be part of a down on your luck work class family . i even believe the film end too soon while there be a few idea that could have be develop far . i mention this not a a criticism but a a tribute to mike leigh who actually make we wish this 2hr 28 minute film would go on . fantastic . eight out of ten .