About as morbid a twee British comedy as you’re ever likely to see, ‘Is There Anybody There?’ tells the story of a young boy living in the old people’s home his parents own, spending his day investigating the deaths of the residents. One day his ghost investigating is interrupted when widowed, suicidal ex-magician Clarence comes to stay (played by Michael Caine).

While this film is happy to load on the sentimentality in droves, almost inviting the audience to start blubbing, Caine’s performance feels so authentic and is played with such subtlely it’s hard not to get drawn in. Caine is surrounded by a geriatric team of real pros, including an hilarious turn by Leslie Phillips as a foul mouthed alcoholic.

The real heart of this film though is made up from the rocky relationship between Caine and the young boy as one seeks redemption for past regrets and the other is shown the worth of life over death. It does feel a little familiar at times, but like with Venus, the comic performances and heart of this type of film put the filled screen seeing the latest Matthew Mcconaughey (sp?) movie next door to shame. If nothing else it marks a high point in Michael Caine’s performing career.