CALL HIM A VIOLET OFFENDER.

Byline: Glenn Whipp Film Critic

``Greenfingers'' begins with those deadly words ``inspired by actual events,'' so it's no surprise that not a moment of this feel-good film feels true. No matter.

This good-hearted British comedy overcomes credibility problems and its formulaic plot with its sheer desire to entertain in what can only be called a quaint manner. You'll never see a nicer movie about murderers. And if that sounds like a selling point, this is your kind of film.

The movie trades heavily on the appeal of its cast, primarily the magnetic Clive Owen, who was so good in last year's art house sensation ``Croupier.'' Owen again plays a troubled soul, a convicted murderer who has no desire to reform until he sees the violets bloom. Yup, it's corny. But under director Joel Hershman's (``Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me'') light touch, ``Greenfingers'' never pretends to be anything more than crowd-pleasing entertainment, content for its audience to leave with a smile on its face.

Owen's hard case is named Colin. Early in the film, he finds himself transferred to a minimum-security prison in the English countryside. His cellmate is Fergus (David Kelly, the naked old-timer in ``Waking Ned Devine''), an elderly lifer who is dying of cancer. Colin scoffs at the old man's penchant for nurturing plants until the two manage to grow the aforementioned violets in the prison's inhospitable soil. At that moment, Colin is reborn: He is Greenfingers.

At that moment, too, the movie becomes completely unbelievable with loner Colin suddenly becoming gardening buddies with other unlikely enthusiasts including a big burly tough guy named Raw (Adam Fogerty). The kindly warden (Warren Clarke) encourages their pursuits, as does a flamboyant gardening expert, Georgina Woodhouse (Helen Mirren, delightfully chewing up scenery). Georgina also has a daughter, the delicious Primrose (Natasha Little), and from the first time she and Colin exchange furtive glances, you know that their friendship is going to, um, blossom.

``Greenfingers'' is that kind of movie. The characters seem like they have been plucked from other recent British comedy imports, following familiar arcs while being too cute by half. The moment Ms. Woodhouse sponsors the boys in a prestigious flower show at Hampton Court, it's clear that the movie is heading down a familiar path, dreaming the impossible dream.

It's all very agreeable and nice and you won't remember a moment of it after you leave the theater. But you may find yourself with an irresistible urge to plant violets.

``GREENFINGERS''

(Rated R: some language and sexuality)

The stars: Clive Owen, Helen Mirren, David Kelly, Natasha Little.

Behind the scenes: Written and directed by Joel Hershman. Released by Fireworks Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Entertainment.

Running time: One hour, 31 minutes.

Playing: Laemmle's Town Center 5 in Encino; Laemmle's Playhouse 7 in Pasadena; Laemmle's Monica in Santa Monica; Landmark's Westside Pavilion in West Los Angeles.

Our rating: Three stars

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

He's the man- the man with the lilac touch; Clive Owen pines for Natasha Little in ``Greenfingers''