Vinyl

Plenty of laughs in this file which is loosely based on a true story (and full of in-jokes for those in the know). It could easily have fallen into the trap of being predictable but it doesn't. It comes over as fresh, quirky and fun. The serious moments are very natural, not forced, the music is good and the young band are very easy on the eye for the younger viewers. For the rest of us, there's Phil Daniels as the ever-optimistic Johnny Jones and Keith Allen, looking typically curmudgeonly as Minto, plus some well-aimed swipes at the contemporary record industry. Very much in the tradition of Very Annie Mary or The Full Monty.

Whats not to like about this great film? The soundtrack? Phil Daniels? Perry Benson? Seeing the music biz being caught with their pants down? That last notion is worthy enough as a plot for a movie but watching the story unfold with Phil Daniels leading the charge, as only he can with his 100mph attack on life, makes this tidy little film truly worthy of your time watching it. The story will make you laugh, it may make you cry and it will definitely leave you feeling good and glad you watched it. It is a fun caper that never takes its self too seriously yet succeeds in showing all of us that rock n roll should always be 'by the people, for the people and of the people'. If you grew up in the 70s or 80s you will love it and many of its touch points. If you are still "growing up" watch and learn. FREE ROCK N ROLL

Vinyl is just a fun movie. The movie is fantastic and you can tell it was a labor of love to get this film made. No, it's not going to win an Academy Award (well, maybe for the soundtrack), but what's wrong with 90 minutes of good entertainment and a story that will have you leaving the theater with a smile on your face? I was fortunate enough to attend the American premiere in New York City. Back then, distribution was seen as a major issue. It's good to see the film is getting on some screens in the UK. I'd certainly like to go see it again and hope it can get on some screens here in the States. I was lucky enough to talk to director Sara Sugarman and -- unlike what the twit at the bottom of the screen said -- found her to be utterly charming. You could see the dedication and sacrifice she put in to get this film made.

Go see this movie!

Sara Sugarman's music industry film "Vinyl" is built on a terrific premise, and the fact this dramedy originates from a true story makes it all the more ripe for this big screen telling.

Imagine: A long-in-the-tooth rock band is forced by the industry's relentless ageism to release music under the guise of being a much younger rock band. It happened in 2004, as Mike Peters of The Alarm put out music as The Poppy Seeds, along with a music video of lip-synching lads fronting the tune as if they were its proper creators. Sure enough, the tune got radio play. Gotcha!

In "Vinyl," Phil Daniels is the surly, aging frontman, and Jamie Blackley is the younger, fresher face aping the real band's music on camera. It allows for some great moments of both comedy and drama, and in equal measure. True, there is at times a sheeny, Austin Powers artifice to the film, which doesn't always accessorize with the music's scrappy emergence from the cast-off lot. But at its heart is a great story brought to a truthful life on screen, and with terrific competence. "Vinyl" is an underrated, understated success.

I was lucky enough to see both the uncut version of the film and the finished product at the Welsh Premier in Wrexham. I must say how proud I am to be from North Wales which is where most of the filming took place, indeed the ending scene takes place in Rhuddlan Castle at a rock gig I attended.

This film is a proper British film based on a true story of what happened to Mike Peters of The Alarm and front man for Big Country in 2004.

Light hearted, funny, entertaining, a real feel good film and one of those films you will want to buy so that you can watch it again.

Some great actors in the film and good music too.

Definitely a hit in my eyes.