Beyond the Pole

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.

I had NOT heard a thing about this film and I nearly didn't go in because of the poster but some friends of ours had told us under NO circumstances to miss it because they'd gone in and seen it when some film or other was sold out and were so glad they did! BTW I hated the poster - something to do with reminding me of Dumb and Dumber - but our friends had sworn by it and we went in.

We LOVED it! Really funny,really touching in places, great drama, language that was fruitier than your mother might approve of (if you see where I'm going with this!) and really a wonderful story of two friends who try to do their best and just frankly, get a bit out of their depth! Rhys Thomas (who I had not heard of) and Stephen Mangan (who is a genius) are so good in this I hope they do lots more together because they seemed born to play opposite each other. Quite a double act! And Alexander Skarsgard, who I recognised but couldn't place is apparently a huge star in True Blood (which I haven't seen) but I have to take my hat off to him. He was HILARIOUS. Really, go see this movie. It's not a Hollywood blockbuster but when was the last great comedy that came out of that place?! Really, do yourself a favour, go see this and then tell me how great a night you had!

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.

Went to see this film at a preview last week. The cast is superbly put together. I love to see a good British comedy and this has everything you want in it. Well known British comedy actors at their best.

The storyline is cleverly written, current & emotive besides being very funny. It puts over the issues of climate change in a way that will make you think about what is happening to the planet and what you can do about it. There are some very memorable scenes that want to make you go see it again. Loved the hilarious scenes between the Brits and the Norwegians.

Beyond the Pole 2 should be considered by the producers. Maybe vegetarian Salsa dancers go the pole next!

D and R.

The climate-change camp of environmentalists have over the last few decades moved from hippies in trees to suits in boardrooms, from Greenpeace ships to parliament and from chaining themselves to construction site fencing to highly paid city-based consultants. Some would argue a long-oppressed and "inconvenient" movement has now swung right through the centre ground, and like many oppressed but important issues, now gone too far, and there is a need for amending the balance.

Enter "Beyond the Pole". While not losing sight - or in my view trying to criticise or offend the climate debate - this film is an hilarious look at where idealism simply goes too far. In a small screening at the ICA we laughed, cringed and cried on a roller-coaster of emotions from the Chelsea Tractor streets of London to the harsh, barren and cold reality of the Arctic North.

This is essential viewing for all. I left amused, entertained and felt some much needed humour (and humility) had been injected into the climate debate.

Not least as I leave for the North Pole at the end of March. And yes, I did go to Public School. Sorry.