This film extension of the long-running now-defunct BBC TV series was never going to match the big-bucks bangs of a Bourne or Bond, nor the rollercoaster thrills of 24 - Die Another Day, but it certainly beats the recent (similar) UK TV-to-big-screen outing for The Sweeney by sticking to its main strength, namely a clever fusion of old-school spy theatrics and modern-day tech sensibility, making for an entertaining and decently-made thriller. The Greater Good has a clear sense of cinematic ambition whilst staying true to the series' roots, and it is well-structured. Peter Firth's Harry provides a magnificently-played centre to the movie, the rather uninteresting Kit Harington is an adequate protagonist whilst the excellent Elyes Gabel is somewhat underused as the main threat. Inevitably male-led, there are some decent, well-played roles for Jennifer Ehle, Tuppence Middleton and Eleanor Matsuura. Despite its obvious movie-budget limits, action sequences are sharp and well-made, London looks great and the final showdown is cleverly set up, tense and does not overstay its welcome. It will be interesting to see how (and if) The Greater Good plays to an audience unaware of the TV show's backstories, but this movie is a pleasing and effective return of an old favourite
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