I Used to Be Famous

I've started to enjoy these standalone brit movies with unknown characters and actors more and more and this is a good example. It's clean, well acted, feel good and a nice story even if it is predicable, but that doesn't matter because the pace and dialogue make it real. No flash stuff, just realism and a good story, yes can be a bit cheezy but all for the right reasons. The cast and actor selection is excellent and work well and the straight forward production concise. The Stevie character is fabulous throughout and show how strong and important EVERYONE is. Watch this film - you will be better for it.

If you're cynical you could criticise this film for being cliché and predictable, but if you're looking for a film with a bit of heart, hope, and a happy ending, you can't go wrong with this. It's a very simple story that relies on you simply enjoying the ride. A huge chunk of the film is original music; one sequence has 3 songs in a row which was a brave choice but it worked. I'd rather watch something like this than some of the big-budget rubbish Netflix has produced. I'm also surprised at the 15 rating, there were just a couple of swear words but nothing else that would warrant a restriction, so it could be enjoyed by all ages.

This film is a, Sunday afternoon, feet up watch.

It's not a game changer. You're head isn't going to spin. It's just a nice story & that's fine.

Obviously doesn't have a massive budget, but, doesn't need it. Everybody does their job with no stand out performances, but, the film, once again, is fine without any.

It's a nice TV movie. No agenda's are being pushed. There are no victims in Chinese sweatshop sneakers or bedroom martyrs to be found & the movie is better for it.

Find a free afternoon, cuddle up, into someone else, a cushion or yourself & watch. Have a wee snooze afterwards if you want & then treat yourself to a takeaway & some popcorn popping sci-fi before bed.

The end.

A down on his luck former boy band singer is struggling to get even a pub gig or actually finish a song he's writing until when busking one day he his joined by an autistic drummer and they feel an affinity for each other. You might think at this point that it's going to be another twee and condascending film about people wth special needs but the story has depth and deals with the problems both the lead characters face with realism and a believable story structure. I don't want to put any spoilers in so it's difficult to explain the twists in the film without giving too much away. Suffice to say it is a heartwarming film and well worth a watch. The character of Stevie is played by Leo Long who, in real life is a neurodiverse person.

It's been done before but not exactly this way. Still it's a very good drama/comedy, the actors -every single one of them down to the smallest parts- are amazing.

Definitely worth watching, you might have wet eyes when Vince watches the tapes of his late brother, you will definitely laugh when he goes door to door to get a gig and meets the strong characters of the Peckham local scene.

Also quite the eclectic casting with the gorgeous Eleanor Matssura (The Walking Dead), and a strong presence from Kurt Egyiawan and his voice that reminds me of Don Cheadle.

A solid 7, and I'm a mean rater...