Blackball

Well I was looking in my video shop for a 7 day rental (ie all those old films people don't want to watch any more), and was feeling quite hungover, so I didn't want to waste too much time. I grabbed this because I've always liked Paul Kaye, and can honestly say its one of the funniest films I've seen in years. I'm not usually a fan of British comedies, they tend to be a bit cheesy I think, but this was top class, I'm really surprised that no-one I know has mentioned it before.

If your a fan of bowls, then this might not be for you, as it does take the mickey out of this age old sport. I was surprised to learn that it was (loosely) based on a true story.

Some excellent cameos in it as well.

If you've not seen it, see it. If you've seen it, good.

OK So black ball is a film about bowls!

A film that contains lots of obscenity such as words that describe things people do when they are alone and watching films of an adult nature. I myself am doing a degree in film studies. Us Brits have a bit of a problem we are trying to be the Americans the major difference is that we ain't. This film is a feel good movie, simple as. I left feeling happy and contented. We can look deeply and describe what it wasn't so it wasn't Basic Instinct, wasn't Any Given Sunday, wasn't Gladiator. For me it achieved everything it set out to you laughed? If you didn't then you obviously probably find Schindler's List comic.

Mel Smith is a comedian and I think a clever one, yes some of the jokes were immature. But for me it had a feeling of Ballykissangel or Monarch of the Glen about it. So come on guys lighten up watch it again and this time let it wash over you don't come up with expectations of a clever political comedy like Wag the Dog because it just ain't there. This is a film that takes you through the trials and tribulations of a person who only finds out what he's gained when he loses it. The two Australian bowlers remind me slightly of the American Athens 4 x 100 metre team all confident winking at the camera. Right until a cheeky Brit goes and nips them at the post.

My advice experience this film, watch it with some mates a beer or a glass of wine and laugh at it. Its funny and stop being hyper critical and come out of the intellectual coffins the British film industry has been slipping into.

I did not like the marketing of the film in he UK which sold the film as a comedy with a weird theme, when what the film actually is is a romantic comedy with dramatic moments and hilarious moments about the clash between modern England and the traditional England symbolized by the odd game Blackball. Peter Kaye embodies the post sex pistols generations and delivers a superb interpretation. The story is entertaining, moves fast enough, Mel Smith's directing is sharp and efficient. It should have been a success. Alice Evans is cute enough, a bit on the cold though, as the daughter of the old Speight played by a towering James Cromwell, excellent as always. What an actor! The duet Cromwell/Kaye is unforgettable and works marvelously as the symbol for modern day England generation gap and culture clash. Tasteless marketing impaired the chances of this very good British movie in the theaters.

When first being sent this film for Christmas by a few family friends it didn't really strike me as the type of film that i should devote my time to watching, (never judge a book by its cover) , as i always do when doing History work for my upcoming GCSE's i decide to watch a film. Normally this is Shawshank or Pulp fiction or a classic of that nature. Yesterday i decided to crack open Blackball, and i wasn't disappointed. Paul Kay provides in my view his personally career topping performance with a great portrayal as Cliff Starky, with most surprisingly Johnny Vegas pulling of a decent film role. This portrayal of bowls brings a witty, humorous and overall shining side to the sport of bowls and shows that some sports need to escape from their stereotypical, pod so to speak. Vince Vaughn provides a great supporting feature to the film with witty comments and great dialect to bring to live the humour of the film. The film also adds a bit of spice with Alice Evans giving a solid at times attractive performance as Kerry speight and helps the film run smoothly. I feel the real star of the show was James Cromwell who really put this film up from a 2-3 to a 7 showing his experience as and actor and portraying Ray speight perfectly. All together i feel this is a great watch lacking a fantastic plot with witty good humoured fun and at times a very good laugh. I highly recommend you at least give this British film (my proud country :) a try :).

Ok so a film about bowling is never really going to fire the imagination of the average film fan. However it's based on a true story of a young bowler who was banned for calling a member of the selection commitee a rude name. A very rude name.

The bad boy of bowls is born. The film itself and the storyline is a bit contrived and predictable but the acting is first class. Johnny Vegas especially is excellent. See if you recognise one of the Aussie bowlers.

A superb soundtrack as well.

All in all a reasonable film. Not the best but not the worst either.