I love Ray Winstone, he reminds me of my Dad, especially in Hot Potato where he is wearing the same suede fronted zip up cardigan, highly desired in the late 60’s and early seventies when the film is set. I reviewed a movie 13 over 10 years ago when a few of us, we first started writing here, what we like, what we don’t. I haven’t written about very many films, when I look back I’ve done more washing powder and fashion than entertainment but I caught a film again with Ray Winstone in it I loved, so here I am sharing my movie review, the morning after the Oscars 2026.
There are so many fantastic Ray Winstone films, I am a big fan of the actor. Nil By Mouth 1997 is an amazing movie and then the highly acclaimed Sexy Beast that won Ben Kingsley an academy award nomination for best supporting actor.
I also loved Compulsion where Winstone plays the chauffeur Flowers opposite the amazing Parminda Nagra best known for her leading role in Bend It Like Beckham opposite Kiera Knightly and long running role as Dr. Neela Rasgotra in the NBC American TV drama series ER.
The Hot Potato is probably one that has slipped under the radar, it had for me.
2012 written and directed by Tim Lewison the film stars Winstone along side Jack Huston, Colm Meaney, and Lois Winstone. With a brilliant smaller part for Louise Rednapp better known as a model and wag ex wife of Jamie Rednapp playing opposite Winstone as his long suffering and very pretty wife.
The film gets pummelled pretty badly online but personally I think the reviews are harsh.
It’s a period piece, set in the 1960’s the costumes, cars and laid back style is perfect and the film script is actually very funny. Winstone plays a local scrap metal dealer, not super successful but likeable who gets himself mixed up in a crime syndicate as he tries to help his secretary’s boyfriend Danny (Jack Huston) move a lump of Uranium, (the hot potato) that comes into his possession by accident after an explosion at a ministry of defence facility in 1969 London.
Like all unlikely stories and usually great movies this one is based on a true story which adds to the charm of the film as Kenny, Winstone, Danny and his Girlfriend Carole played brilliantly and hilariously by Lois Winstone, (Ray Winstone’s daughter) embark on an endeavour to sell something they initially have no idea what it is to the highest bidder.
What ensues is a cat and mouse chase around Europe in a beautiful old red MK 2 3.4 litre jaguar goodie and baddie style. A funny heist movie with real charm and some very witty lines delivered with perfect comic timing from the ensemble cast.
If you like a 1960’s London (incompetent) gangster vibe film drawing so many references from the time it will feel super familiar to Boomers and Gen X.
Kudos to the costume designer on the film Howard Burden.
Howard Burden's work on the film focused on the "high fashion spy chic" of the early 1960s, designed to contrast with the "low rent drag" of the era, creating a specific aesthetic for the 1969-set crime caper. Burden worked alongside production designer Tim Hutchinson to establish the film's visual style and this was a brilliant collaboration and made the film for me. It’s a very stylish funny film. An easy watch, a car chase escapade full of mischief. If you like an Ealing comedy with real style on the side this is one to check out.