I watched this for the first time today 10 years after the film was made, but apart from the fashions and smoking in pubs, this storyline could still apply today.
I am a fan of "northern" films, and have enjoyed Herman's previous work, however this one seemed to lack the spark that made Brassed Off and Little Voice great. I think this is mainly due to the fact that the young characters in the film are played by pretty inexperienced actors, and it often seems as though they are reciting the script. Tim Healy's scenes as the aggressive father jump out because his rich experience as an actor create a believable, intimidating, 3D character. Although the two lads are likable they will never stick in anyone's memory for their performances.
I was also a little concerned about the film's message. By the end the character's situations haven't really changed, as their plans to raise the cash have failed. Because of this, the boys seem to think that they will be destined to a life without stimulation or direction, and that because they were born into poverty that they will have to stay there.
But there is a simple way out of that kind of life - go to school or get a job! The film makes out that society won't support them, but if they got qualifications or earnt so money by doing a good day's hard work they would have 100 times more opportunities. I don't think the boys' attitudes at the end of the film were justified, because there are so many other ways out of that social situation, but they just can't be bothered to do that.
But on the positive it was great to see some old faces from Byker Grove! Overall not bad, but not amazing either
I am a fan of "northern" films, and have enjoyed Herman's previous work, however this one seemed to lack the spark that made Brassed Off and Little Voice great. I think this is mainly due to the fact that the young characters in the film are played by pretty inexperienced actors, and it often seems as though they are reciting the script. Tim Healy's scenes as the aggressive father jump out because his rich experience as an actor create a believable, intimidating, 3D character. Although the two lads are likable they will never stick in anyone's memory for their performances.
I was also a little concerned about the film's message. By the end the character's situations haven't really changed, as their plans to raise the cash have failed. Because of this, the boys seem to think that they will be destined to a life without stimulation or direction, and that because they were born into poverty that they will have to stay there.
But there is a simple way out of that kind of life - go to school or get a job! The film makes out that society won't support them, but if they got qualifications or earnt so money by doing a good day's hard work they would have 100 times more opportunities. I don't think the boys' attitudes at the end of the film were justified, because there are so many other ways out of that social situation, but they just can't be bothered to do that.
But on the positive it was great to see some old faces from Byker Grove! Overall not bad, but not amazing either