The Withnail and I’s Richard E. Grant (who was born to play pretentious British artistic types) plays Gordon Comstock, a successful ad copywriter. Tiring of commercializing his talents, Gordon tries to get by as an underpaid bookstore clerk and, more importantly, as a poet. Based one of George Orwell’s early novels (Keep the Aspidistra Flying), A Merry War illustrates how those who flaunt convention can be just as foolish and egocentric as those who follow it. The film boasts some fine banter (a book merchant boasts, "I don’t read books; I just sell them.") and a terrific cast. Corset queen Helena Bonham Carter is particularly good as Gordon’s long-suffering girlfriend. While it’s a major stretch to figure out what draws her to him, A Merry War is a genial and engaging comedy (R). Rating: 7.