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Deadly Illusions sets off to a promising start before sliding gradually into farce. It feels as if those involved just went along with the flow, perhaps too naive or too scared of the director to speak up about the bizarre script and poor editing. Inconsistent pacing, curious but incomplete interludes and the laughable plot, combined with unconvincing acting and a pathetically weak ending, result in an altogether unsatisfactory performance. If this was produced as a showcase or proposal for a film to be made by a major studio, it would not have sold without significant improvements. As it is, it falls almost completely flat. The one bright spot (sufficient for a second star) is Greer Grammer's vindictive persona that finally emerges after far too much of her vacant sicophantic drivel in the first three-quarters. That at least was convincing and heart-felt, whereas the rest were merely coasting along.

Such an inconsistent series of episodes - a few quite good, most OK, some sheer farce, barely up to am-dram-panto standard ... and yet strangly addictive, wondering if the next episode will be worth watching or another big let-down. The entire premise is weird: a dozen spooks backed by a bevvy of silent extras, all studiously avoiding the limelight, and supported by an invisible army of tech wizzards capable of, of, well, whatever fantastic nonsense is required for the sake of the plot. Invisible, undetectable two-way comms - no problem. Instant teleportation anywhere in the city, why not? Trackers that go ping as the red dot crosses the map like an 80s video game, sure. A backpack bomb complete with LED countdown, naturally! I almost expected Bruce Willis to make a guest appearance, just behind Mr Bean.

Despite a few amusing incidents, this is more drama than comedy - almost a shaggy dog story really, in good humour though.

Channing and the dog play very well together: both are fully convincing in their roles. Other actors not quite so much, but still more than merely passable.

The underlying theme of post traumatic stress disorder strings the whole film together nicely, for both dog and soldier, without descending too far into pity, mental ill-health or violence. The flashbacks to wartime are very subtle compared to other films of this genre, gently woven into the story line. Nicely done.

All in all, a surprisingly engaging film and a well-told story.