Anuvahood

Many would claim that the mark of good filmmaking, or of any art, is some kind of subtext; a message being expressed by the artist that requires some sort of analysis, some level of thought or investigation on the part of the viewer. This message may not be one the viewer agrees with, but it is always something that stirs the mind and creates a debate. It would be all too easy to claim that Adam Deacon's "Anuvahood" is devoid of any artistic merit not only due to its lack of any subtext or discernible intelligence, but also because it lacks narrative fluidity, realistic character development and any real purpose beyond exploiting its niche target audience and pilfering their cash at the box office.

This film has not had a good reception. "The worst film of all time." "America gets Scorsese and DeNiro. We get Clarke and Deacon." Film critics loathed it. They walked out en masse at preview screenings. What's the betting that the majority of them were white, middle-class and considerable past the age of 20? This is not to say that I myself am none of these, but merely that films like Anuvahood have a very clear target audience, and to classify that audience as unintelligent or unworthy of entertainment is patronising and small-minded. No, what is needed to enjoy this film is not to be a member of this niche, but simply to have an appreciation of cultures other than your own. The cameos by urban British musicians, references to grime tracks, humour based on obscure slang and scene in-jokes. This is not a level of humour to be hated because it's juvenile or moronic. These same sorts of surreal references are made in plenty of respectable sitcoms and comedies. Those who choose to criticise a piece of entertainment so clearly not targeted at them simply don't understand it. I'm sure many young black people from urban areas will feel no connection or respect for Anuvahood, but that's because the target audience is not "black people" or "teenagers" or "city folk", it's a culture; those who love grime, UK funky, channel AKA, the Jazzie Show, Kidulthood, SBTV, Sidewinder, Eskimo Dance, speaking in slang, cotchin in the blocks. If you don't know what any of that meant, then this film was not for you.

Do you critics not remember a time where your parents would bang on your door and ask you to turn that rubbish down? When they didn't understand what it was that made youth culture vibrant and exciting to you? When you grew up and the art you enjoyed in your youth became respectable with time and seemed superior to contemporary popular culture? Elvis' movies were awful. Clunky dialogue, wooden performances, weak narratives. A Hard Days Night and Yellow Submarine were hardly moments of cinematic triumph. But these films exist as documents of a time where the youth were excited and creative and made and enjoyed art that reflected their lives and sensibilities. The Beatles were told to cut their hair and turn it down. Elvis was told to stop being so goddamn sexy and sinful. Now Adam Deacon is being told to speak proper English and make a film about something film critics can relate to. Maybe for Anuvahood 2 we'll see him living in Hampstead and attempting to become a Guardian columnist to disastrous effect, or opening a vegan café in Primrose Hill so he can afford a holiday home in the Lake District.

That is all.

This is not a Kidulthood/Adulthood... far from it..It is looks to be a comedy from the trailer, but ends up being a weak comedy-drama.

The language in this film is London 'street' for a majority of it and perhaps only suit a certain audience. The characters aren't likable to be honest even the character Kenneth annoys you at times. There are only a few funny scenes. Mostly involving the character Tyrone, but some of it just unintentional.

Is it watchable..just about...but once you have you wished you hadn't bothered.

The script is poor and you feel you seen it all before, but only better written and acted.

Watching Anuvahood, it becomes clear very quickly that Adam Deacon the director was trying to make a British version of Friday, the classic American 'ghetto' comedy. Almost every aspect of the film has been influenced by Friday; for example the theme tune of the neighbourhood bully in Anuvahood is basically the same as the one in Friday but with a beat added to it! However, it doesn't come anywhere near to the brilliance of Friday, not even close! The main problem is that in Anuvahood all the main characters are played so stupidly over-the-top for the whole film (watch it and you'll understand). If you're looking for clever, subtle humour then look elsewhere.

Having said all that, Anuvahood does have its moments and overall it was quite entertaining (it is undeniably a unique and quirky film); some bits are VERY funny (my favourite was with the African traffic warden!)and it has some truly disgusting bits (one involving ketchup and feet).However, for most of the film I wasn't laughing, just thinking "Friday is so much better than this."

One more thing; if you're not familiar with the slang of the 'gangsters' in London, definitely don't bother coming to see it!

I really didn't know what to expect with this film, except that I thought the trailer was quite funny. What I got was something trying very hard but never quite being all that it could be.

The character of K is initially quite endearing, and has some funny moments throughout, but overall he is a rather thin caricature that you would cross the street to avoid, much like every other character aside from a foreign kid who is brought in, it seems, for absolutely no reason whatsoever and wasted as a result.

The plot is very poor and doesn't go anywhere with any attempt at realism or satire. Much of the script is poor, although when it shines it shines brightly.

Anuvahood is a film that badly needed a co writer and a decent script editor, and smacks of being a vanity project with not enough sets of hands on the wheel. It's not awful, but still leaves the viewer disappointed with it's many shortcomings.

Again thoroughly enjoyed another Adam Deacon movie this guy along with Ben Drew are the two most important actors/directors this generation has right now at the moment in my opinion. This movie does exactly what it is supposed to which is to make us laugh our arse off! Anyone who doesn;t find Tyrone hilarious needs a sense of humour transplant immediately? Is this movies a masterpiece? lol of course not its not supposed to be, Has Adam Deacon spent 4 years polishing every single scene just like a Kubrick or Kurosawa movie? Of course bloody not lol. This is a quickly and very cheaply British movie made with realistic dialogue, scenery, costume, music, script, of course it is realistic if it isn;t then how else do the young underclass of Britain dress and talk etc? Its spot on in fact. Now this movie isn't perfect in some places, Fair enough, But this movie is entertaining and makes me want too watch many more Deacon efforts and feel proud that all these talented British actors are giving it a go instead of actually dealing drugs or standing in a job centre. My advice is lighten the hell up when watching these movies ffs. To anyone else who found this movie hilarious good on ya'h. Big well done to Deacon and rest of crew an excellent effort. By the way one last thing this was twice as funny as the original Friday movies just not as polished.