El banco de Dave

Everything you'd expect from a UK based film, pulled heartstrings, decent soundtrack, good character acting and a nice story, well told.

Joel Fry is excellent and stakes a claim for the next slightly nervy, slightly cute, slightly awkward leading man that all UK based comedies/love stories need. Rory Kinnear rapidly becoming a mainstay too, justifiably so despite the questionable accent that tended to wander around the Northern Shires throughout the film but this didn't take anything away from the decency of his character.

Lots of top names appear throughout the film, that'll have you pausing it and trying to remember what you last saw them in.

I enjoyed the film a lot, and it's message is worth remembering; that good people DO exist, but you don't always notice them.

What a surprise feel good movie. Saw this tonight at a preview screening but it doesn't change my view of the movie. Had no idea about Dave and his bank, but what a great concept and should be more of it.

One thing about the Brits, they sure can tell a good yarn. The movie moves along at a good pace and nothing feels like it's to long a movie.

Even the love interest of the movie isn't over done and is sweet. Yes it does have its protagonist aka the "big banks" and they live up to what they do best.

If you want to go see a good feel movie and just get away for the world for a while and come out feeling a bit better, then go see Dave.

British films have, historically, tended to stick to certain formulas. They are usually set in the 'grim' north and are about underdogs winning against the odds. But while 'Bank of Dave' does fit that synopsis, it manages to be fresh, funny, and relevant. It doesn't dwell on grime for grittiness - it actually shows how beautiful the north of England is, how friendly the people are, and it's a joy to watch the central character of a London lawyer fall for the northern charm. But that's just a side show to the main story which is an incredible true story I wasn't previously aware of, and one that needs to be told. My Netflix subscription is currently balancing on a knife's edge, but this film managed to save it from being cancelled this month. More like this, please!

Bank Of Dave is a feel good film which tick lots of nice boxes as long as you don't look at it with a critical eye. Which I do. A bit. Right then. The cons first. Whilst the main actors play their parts well, some of the support acting is a bit flaky. Fair enough - this is a relatively low budget film so understandable. Secondly, the script is a bit clunky in places, which doesn't help the actors and does make the film feel somewhat contrived at times - you know exactly how this is going to play out. This is okay though - not everyone wants a challenging stressy film, or a film full of unpleasant, gritty, dark characters. I know I don't. Thirdly, Burnley is portrayed as a lovely town of working class, heart of gold, decent, fair, hard working, honest, caring, sharing, people. It isn't. Lots are. But lots are not. Fourthly, a LOT of the content isn't remotely true or accurate, but you need to make the film interesting so fair enough with the carefree approach to facts. The pros. It's a feel good film for all the family and Dave seems like a very decent chap and that's enough justification to make a nice movie. Secondly, I forgot Def Leppard actually did some really good songs! Needed to hear more of them. Er... That's it.

Dave Fishwick, the inspiration behind this movie did!

So given the premise of this and it's setting in Burnley don't expect a glitzy Hollywood style setting. Instead expect a heart warming Dave(id) v's Goliath battle of trying to open a community focused bank and the challenges and obstacles faced during such an audacious endeavour.

The acting is very natural and fluid and I really liked the slow burning chemistry between 2 of the main characters (Hugh and Alexandra).

Phoebe Dynevor who played Alexandra is so delightful to watch and really does light up the screen. I hope to see her in more in the future.

Joel Fry who played Hugh gave a very endearing performance, and I really did admire his unique style of acting (brave but smart casting there).

Rory Kinnear who played Dave really did his character justice and obviously did his research to remain faithful in portraying aspects of the personality of the creator of the Bank of Dave aka Burnley Savings and Loans Limited

So kudos to Netflix for bringing this great story to our screens.