Neil's Party

Watched this movie after getting home late from work and was great to unwind too. Its a low budget movie and so wasn't expecting too much, but it's well made and I was pleasantly surprised with its quirky Brit humor. Also, it happily doesn't seem to take itself too seriously which is a nice change these days (probably because it's British i guess). I didn't recognize the actors but they seemed to do a good job, same with the director and filmmakers and i even watched some of the extras afterwards which were quite interesting and well put together. It was a bit like American Pie at times but it was OK, i think the Brit accents helped it seem fresh and different enough. Definitely a film for fans of American Pie and those types of comedies.

A delightful cast of inept characters showing the wild side of Uckfield, East Sussex! The movie engages us in the world of sexual desperation and peer pressure on the eve of leaving home for University. Who ever said it was easy being young! Smart pacey dialogue and laugh out loud gags make this fresh look at the UK pre-college scene ideal for a 'good night in' with friends. In the growing world of indie film-making Neil's Party shows that budget isn't everything and that a unique take on a familiar story makes for real entertainment and clever film-making can deliver high production values on screen. Well done to the filmmakers - I'm looking forward to whatever is 'coming soon' from this talented team.

If you are a fan of the American Pie series, then you will not only be disappointed with this movie, but appalled by the bland humor. The movie did have its times though. The nudity was half wonderful, but not as good as American Wedding. I laughed plenty during American Wedding and got very excited during a lot of parts (if you know what I mean), but I did not have that same sense of pure enjoyment as I did while I watched Neil's Party. The audio was poorly done. Every time someone talked, you heard some static in the background. Since everyone was buying liquor legally. There was just no fun in it. Big deal everyone was drinking. Anyone 18 years old could do that. Neil is a weak skinny loser just like all his friends. American Wedding is so much better.

It was always the filmmakers intention to give this film the look of a well lit, Hollywood style movie and I must thank them for that because they succeeded in that endeavor. Too often, British films will be poorly lit with blown highlights and detailess shadows and then try to get away with it claiming that it was deliberately done for an artsy look. That fools nobody and the makers of Neils Party are to be commended for paying great attention to this important detail in film-making.

The films storyline will be understood by anyone who can still remember their own 18th year and though it might be predictable at times it succeeds because of strong performances from the young cast. The performances come across as realistic and believable. it doesn't appear forced or over the top.

To use the American vernacular, it's a cute film and a very good first effort for the filmmaker. it brings a new look to a part of Britain that's rarely shown, not the gritty working class landscape nor the affluent manor houses that have become tiresome exports this past decade. Instead, we are treated to a view of life in a rural market town albeit from an area with the highest real estate values in Britain.

Well put together... the filmmakers knew what they were doing with this one! Nice use of Trance music as well. Funny, well-shot, great sound and editing. This film will be a pleaser for all who enjoy young well to do teenage boys who simply want to have a good time and pick up cute girls! The semblance to American style party movies is noticed as the current that carries this film. I found it very interesting the various types of beer that the character were drinking in this film, especially Brits drinking pints of Budweiser! Well done and much applause! This film should do well all major territories around the globe! The film has been picked up by Worldwide Sales agent ITN Distribution out of the United States. It will make it's international debut @ the Cannes March Du Film in May 2005.