I urge you to go and see this one at the cinema, flaws and all

Ella McCay is in keeping with those earlier movies, a well-acted, intelligent comedy-drama. It's a very pleasurable film aimed at an adult rather than adolescent audience which adds to the appeal, even though it's undoubtedly flawed. Better to have a rough diamond than a perfect pebble.

The story takes place in an unnamed (why?) US state around 2008, back when, supposedly, people still liked each other (I remember that time - it wasn't all that sweet then, either). Ella (Emma Mackey) is the driven young lieutenant-governor (ie deputy) to popular, glad-handing "Governor Bill" (Albert Brooks). He's the people person who sells the policies she comes up with, and it works.

One day, he tells her he's resigning, having been picked for a federal cabinet post, and wishes her well - it's over a year until the next election so she has time to establish herself.

Ella throws herself into the job with characteristic intensity but while she's committed, intelligent, public-spirited and full of integrity, she's long-winded and dry. You'd vote for her, but you might not want to be seated next to her at a dinner party.

Another thing not stated is her political party (again, why? Playing coy to try for broad appeal?) but it seems pretty obvious she's a Democrat. The big policy she's been trying to get legislated is, literally, in support of motherhood but for some reason (cost, presumably) it's been controversial and stalled.

As well as coming to grips with her new job, Ella faces some personal and political problems. She's worried about her younger brother Casey (Spike Fearn), who's spent all his time indoors on his computer since a breakup 13 months ago. Her estranged father Eddie (Woody Harrelson), who cheated constantly on her long-dead mother, keeps pestering her to reconcile, but it's more about him than her.

And, mortifyingly, she's facing a sex scandal. Because of her long hours, she and her husband Ryan (Jack Lowden) have been sneaking off for some lunchtime lovin' in a room in the government building where she works and word has gotten out. Is it only in America that a married woman could face censure for having consensual sex, with her husband, privately, during a lunch break?

There's a lot going on, a little too much perhaps, and it doesn't all work. It feels like there are some pieces missing - for example, the subplot about her husband's discontent at his sidelined "First Man" status is underwritten. Meanwhile, rather too much attention is paid to Casey's mopiness and attempts to reconcile with his ex, Susan (Ayo Ederbiri). We also could have done with a bit less of Trooper Nash (Kumail Nanjiani), Ella's driver and bodyguard.

Sometimes the film feels like it reflects Brooks' long sitcom experience. It feels like a laugh track is itching to kick in after some of the funny lines (and there are, it must be said, a lot of funny lines). And the performances occasionally feel a little wired, as though the actors are overcaffeinated and are playing to a studio audience.

But despite its flaws, this is, as I said, very enjoyable, with lots of funny moments. Many of the excellent cast members are British but have convincing American accents. Mackey is sympathetic and likeable throughout - you want the best for her.

Harrelson and Brooks exude slightly oily charm. Julie Kavner (the voice of Marge Simpson) plays Estelle, Ella's faithful secretary who rather unnecessarily narrates the film. And Jamie Lee Curtis is excellent as Ella's rock, Aunt Helen - mother substitute, confidant, comforter.

I recommend supporting Ella McCay at the box office. Not a perfect candidate, but a very entertaining one, the kind to encourage.