Goodbye Charlie Bright

Good to see taht British Film is getting out of the 'Lock, Stock' genre, but the film is still centred around East End devlish deeds, drugs, and crime.

The story is about a group of friends, two of them being the most popular and attractive, and one being the negative. The story follows the boy's eventual rise into east end villian society and how his other friend's actions slowly begin to break downhis life, unless drastic action is taken.

The film definately hits the good charts, but it's nothing that could stand upto TRAINSPOTTING or PULP FICTION. Not one for the yanks, but would definately be worth a watch for Brits. Give it a try

***6/10***

Worth a look. As much for being a Brit flick as anything else. Getting slightly away from the cliched Lock, Stock genre, but staying within the rough parts of London, the film looks at Charlie's realisation that his life lacks direction. Unfortunately the film never really gets to grips with the real emotion behind Charlie's development, but there is plenty to keep the younger, (dare I say, hipper), audience watching and giggling, especially if you likes drugs and swearing.

The beauty of the film is that it is not predictable. Without giving anything away, the plot often seems to be heading in an obvious direction before skewing off at a tangent. This is not to say that you will be on the edge of your seats though. The plot does have its dips, and there was a period when I wondered just how much more of the same I would be getting. Not long after, however, the audience was treated to an unexpected and well-played finale.

The acting is great at times, and not so at others, not even Dani Behr brings the cast down (too much), and individual characters such as Francis and Justin were particularly well-acted. I could not decide if the photography was poor deliberately, to fit the mood of the film, or if it just happened that way. Either way, that can be your decision!

Go and have a watch, enjoy an British film, and whatever you do, don't miss the start!

Nick Love's sparky début tells the story of two lads growing up on a rough south London housing estate (possibly Thamesmead?). On the brink of a life of petty crime, their close friendship is threatened by the immaturity of one, and the other's lack of commitment to life on the edge, and the film follows the course of their inevitable divergence. The movie's strengths include a lively pace and a capacity to make you feel sympathy for its characters, in spite of their frequently antisocial behaviour. Equally, however, there's not a lot on show here that you won't have seen before, and the ending, which conjures an upbeat note where logically there should be tragedy, lacked (for me, at least) the emotional power I think it was supposed to convey. This isn't a truly great film; but neither is it a movie without promise.

One of Nick Love's earlier films (his second i think) and I enjoyed it a lot.

The main story revolves around two boys who live on a east London estate and basically shows them getting drawn into the life of crime and drugs and what this can do to you. A lot of the filming is done on a real estate in Bermondsey, South London. Which i feel adds to the reality of the film. It gives a somewhat alarming account and insight into what life is like living in this estates around south London.

It is not in the same league as the likes of Trainspotting or The Full Monty which are both classic British films and are international recognised. but is still definitely worth watching.

Overall a good, enjoyable film. Give it a go.

I think it'd be hard for anyone from another country to relate to this film...which would in turn make it quite hard to enjoy it... It doesn't pull its punches - to be honest it was kind of strange...I grew up with kids like the ones in this film, and it was like a flashback in a way.

This film isn't an epic, it's not a world-changer...it's just like a snapshot...a glimpse into their world. It's hard to explain...

It's worth a look in - I just happened to be staying up late and it came on cable...started watching it and carried on...

Maybe go rent it if it's in your local video store.

Sorry this review isn't more eloquent - my mind's still on the film.