Beyond the Pole

Beyond The Pole is a tongue in cheek movie about climate change, among other things. It also deals with friendships that are strained to breaking point and the strength of human spirit, albeit with a comedic feel.

This independent mockumentary style film made me think while I laughed and at times, cringed. I never felt that it preached to me about the whole climate change debate, but somehow at the end I felt that I had been enlightened slightly.

Maybe it is because the film was actually shot on floating ice caps, with the whole handy cam feel, that it gives you a sense of actually being with the characters as they struggle with their adventure, through the good times, and the bad.

With twists and turns at many points, this film kept me guessing till the end.

A definite must see, even if it's only for a laugh.

I had the pleasure of seeing this film at a preview a few months ago. As a perfect counter balance to Mr Al Gore's film it's serious subject matter is handled with care and belly laughs. More fun at delivering the message than 50 politicians banging on. A must see for film buffs and white van man alike. In fact it should be shown in Westminster! A classic British film that takes on the issue of the day and makes you think "what can i do to change things?" Great writing and well cast. Good use of soundtrack music pushes the story along to good effect. Forget showing in Westminster, get it to schools and Uni's. "Beyond The Pole" is a very now film that you wont forget in a hurry.

This film made me laugh from beginning to end. Beyond the Pole has brilliant cast of the top British actors, add to that the beautiful scenery, and the mockumentary style of story telling and you have all the right ingredients for a fantastic British film. The script is superbly written with heart warming characters over-coming adversity by attempting to be the first Carbon Neutral, Vegetarian, Organic expedition ever to reach the North Pole. Rhys Thomas is hilarious as Brian and the interaction between him and Stephen Mangan (Mark) as they pursue their heroic trip feels natural. I think that this could have all the success of "Full Monty" and "Four Weddings". I would love to go and see this film again and take my friends along for a really great feel good evening.

I really love this film. Its a spoof eco doc about one man's attempt to walk to the North Pole. The first carbon neutral, vegetarian unassisted attempt. The cast are familiar to followers of British comedy and the performances are universally excellent. It certainly has moments of low budgetness but then that is also part of its charm. It reminds me of other great spoof docs like Spinal Tap but with a very clear environmental agenda. It is very good at laughing at itself while still staying on message. It is very funny in a very British sort of way but also manages to be profoundly moving at times as well which is a very difficult thing to pull off. If you get the chance, see it.

In this completely unfunny and self-consciously quirky pile of tosh some faces who you'll recognise from some equally unfunny TV shows trek to the pole. Aside from the big dollop of populist anti-scientific cult- like global warming nonsense the film just isn't funny at all.

What is funny though is that the cast and crew have been STRAIGHT onto the IMDb to post a load of totally unconvincing fake reviews. I mean check them out, most of them are saying they can't wait till the DVD is released or praising this as a masterpiece. Yet weirdly, not one of them have written another review for any other movie. Naturally they found this one so good they had to dash on to register and give it a 10 though. They aren't the first crappy movie to do this, they're just the most blatant. Check out the internet and you'll find them begging people to come on and give them a good review, pathetic. I appreciate that our film industry is on its arse but we aren't that desperate yet. Come on guys, a 10 from everyone? At least throw in a couple of 8's and 7's to make it look a bit more convincing.

This film is a waste of time. It's not funny, it's not entertaining and it doesn't deserve more than three stars. I gave it one since the cast and crew have decided it's a 10. Why is it everything to do with global warming (re-branded as climate change) has that air of scam about it? I hope this one loses more money than it makes, it deserves it for boring the hell out of me and riding the liars bandwagon just as the wheels fall off.