A fun new caper movie is available to watch at home from next week

Released in cinemas only in May, the film is a winning showcase for one of the best living actors.

Sallie and her brother Barnaby (James Corden, Gavin and Stacey) are the estranged children of a once-renowned painter and former TV host, Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen - Lord of the Rings, X-Men). Fearing they will be cut out of their wealthy father's inheritance, the siblings concoct a scheme.

This involves Lori taking up the role of assistant to Julian, which he now needs, given his age. In the course of this work, she will steal a series of long-unfinished paintings by the artist - titled 'The Christophers - which she will complete on her own.

Then, when Julian dies, the finished Christophers will be "discovered", and Barnaby and Sallie can sell the artists, cutting Lori in on the profits.

As the forger gets to know Julian in person, she has second thoughts about this plan.

The Christophers hooks viewers in right away with its caper-like setup. That's before it evolves - through a series of engaging, thoughtful, witty conversations between Coel and McKellen's characters - into an equally compelling exploration of not only art, creation, and inspiration, but also ageing and regrets.

Coel's presence makes the slightly enigmatic and frosty Lori a character that you can root for, while the well-cast Corden and Gunning add fun colour as pathetic, scheming siblings.

That said, the movie belongs to the 87-year-old McKellen. It's just a joy to watch him sink his teeth into the character of Julian, who's so unashamedly arrogant and loquacious - never missing the chance to deliver a cheeky bon mot. So many of the artist Julian's dry, scathing observations about life, art, his kids (who he absolutely hates!) are laugh-out-loud funny.

Also, the movie is emotional and heartwarming without being overly sentimental or treacly. Because of this, and the fact that the film winds up ultimately being less of a caper than it first appears, one could accuse The Christophers of lacking a certain dramatic firepower.

Yet, you also want to commend Soderbergh (pitched at a more restrained register) and Solomon for eschewing typical Hollywood catharsis and resolution for something a little messier and true-to-life, if still satisfying.

The Christophers is a definite crowdpleaser, albeit in a minor key.

The Christophers is available exclusively on digital platforms to buy or rent from Monday, 20 July.