A Robbie Williams film starring a Blackburn actor has received rave reviews from critics.

“Better Man,” released December 26, explores the life and career of singer Robbie Williams.

Blackburn’s Steve Pemberton plays Robbie’s father Peter Williams in the film.

In an interview with an online magazine, Steve said: “What I admire about Robbie is how open he was (in the film).”

“He was probably an asshole to a lot of people, as he himself admitted. He talks so openly about all the different things in his life, be it the relationship with his father, the drugs, the depression. It’s all in the film.”

The film has captured audiences’ attention as Robbie is portrayed as a CGI-animated chimpanzee, reflecting his feelings of being “less developed than other humans”.

Steve Pemberton (Image: YouTube/Paramount Pictures) The film received mostly positive reactions from reviewers.

The film received a 91 percent rating on the television and film review site Rotten Tomatoes.

One review stated: “Better Man dares to replace its star with a VFX creation and somehow manages to make a monkey out of the traditional musical biopic, to thrilling effect.”

Steve’s performance in the film was also praised by casual viewers.

One person said: “Steve Pemberton is wonderful in Better Man. I think he’s our greatest character actor.”

“Steve Pemberton for Best Supporting Actor for Better Man,” said another.

Another person said: “Please guys watch Better Man. And not just for Steve Pemberton, who was excellent and certainly improved his singing skills. The best film of this year.”

“I didn’t think I’d be raving about a Robbie Williams biopic,” said another.

“Better Man is truly entertaining, extremely creative and surprisingly emotional. A wonderful performance from Steve Pemberton too.”

Last year Steve, best known as the co-creator, co-writer and actor of the hugely popular series The League of Gentlemen, was awarded an honorary scholarship to the University of Central Lancashire.

The proud Lancastrian, who grew up in Chorley, also co-created and starred in the dark comedies Inside No. 9” and “Psychoville,” both of which aired on the BBC.

Steve, who was recognized for his significant contributions as an actor, writer and director, walked into the graduation ceremony on Friday, July 12.

The comedian, who drew laughs in his acceptance speech when he delivered the line “The University of Central Lancashire is a local university for locals” in the character voice of Tubbs Tattsyrup, said: “Being here in Preston is for something “Receiving an honorary scholarship from my local university makes me really proud.”