County Kilburn

this is a rare thing indeed, a little gem. a perfectly formed indie film made by what looks like first timers all round. set in a not too grand little pub in the irish part of london, this is a kinda cheers english/irish style. with a believable and likeable bunch of characters, a slight plot about the barman's last week, before he moves onto greater things. it has a warmth and charm thsat is a welcome change from the usual round of violence and nasty characters we see in so many films today. it is beautifully acted and scripted and directed with a firm and sure touch. miles and miles better than the very average and cliched fat greek wedding, with a wonderful feel good ending. check it out if it comes your way.

I stumbled into this film by accident at the Ballygowan Film Festival last year.

County Kilburn is essentially about a barman's last week in his job at a grotty boozer called the Waggon and Horses. Played by Ciaran McMenamin, the lead is supported by a great cast of underrated actors who take full advantage of a brilliant script.

The regulars at The Waggon... include a foul-mouthed John Bowe as Black Jack, Simon Sherlock as eighties throwback 'Eighties Billy' who has a penchant for Ford Capris, Farrahs and Fred Perry, Georgia Mackenzie as Unnatainable Sue, an affectionate retard called Basic, Rick Warden as the lead's best buddy, a love-sick elderly couple called Tourvil and Dean and a grumpy old git called Mr Bollox. There is also a wonderful cameo performance from Paul O'Grady (Lilly Savage).

A British adulterated, interpretation of Friends and Cheers, the humour is spot on and it wouldn't surprise me if it offended some people in the Vatican, but you will have to watch it to find out what I mean.

It's amazing how this film has failed to receive a theatrical release given the amount of crap which appears in UK cinemas - I think it has the potential to be the next Full Monty - maybe this somes up the sad state of the UK film industry.