House!

Before she became a big star Kelly McDonald appeared in low budget films like this one that tried to ape the 'feel good British comedy' vibe that was in fashion after The Full Monty.

In principle the idea behind this film is not a bad one. Old bingo hall vs. the new upcoming one. There's lots of room for outlandish characters and sentiment as the staff work together to save the old hall. It also allows room for star turns from people like Freddie Jones.

And yet it doesn't work, despite a good performance from McDonald. The main problem is that the film doesn't seem to know whether it wants to be a big bawdy comedy or a sweet sentimental one. In the end it flits between both camps and ends up being neither.

It's an OK film for a rainy day, but I certainly wouldn't spend big money chasing down a copy.

I can count the number of times I have been on Bingo on one hand, and the times I did I can't say I got the big adrenaline rush. A room full of old and new cigarette smoke, stone-faced "elderly" players and dull colors all around. Except, when someone called "Bingo" a big grin came on their faces.

Guess what? This movie is like that... and I love it. Mostly spot on how it looked like when I was at the Bingo here in Oslo Norway maybe 10 years ago (when it was still allowed to smoke). OK, in the movie it's a grand big theater. Well, it used to be, before the owner had to turn it into a Bingo.

A new Bingo comes to town, and the old one needs to be saved. Not the most original "main" plots, but the how it's done, makes up for it.

The acting is great, the humor is subtle (but enjoyable) and it looks great. Well, well made should be the correct word. It's not pretty. Just look at some of the walls in the halls in the old theater.

Very enjoyable! 9 of 10

A very likeable film in all respects, from the stylish direction to great acting from all concerned (although the terribly sexy Kelly Macdonald lets slip a few Scottish vowels and at times verges on Ruth Madoc's Gladys Pugh - but I can forgive her for anything). Subtle and very effective music scoring adds to the overall humour and there are some surprisingly touching moments, especially from the great Freddie Jones, who seems to be in his element as the Welsh-Italian bingo hall owner / chef / opera lover. Also, some frighteningly realistic old women from South Wales - dun 'alf make me feel 'omesick, like mun.

My brother got me on to this film, I'm just getting over a bad Viral infection so i'm spending a bit of time at home. He bought me a load of DVD's to borrow and some where in the middle was this one. It's about the closer of an independent Bingo hall and a community trying to save it from the evil grip of corporate Bingo (stay with it, it looks better than it sounds).

it's the sort of film you'll see on a sunday afternoon and it'll make you feel good about the world.

just give it watch, you'll love it.

It won't change your life. There's no road to Damascus moment and neither is it seminal. However, it is well acted, especially Kelly McDonald who's superb in everything she does, and Miriam Margolyes, who is the same, with a story that will leave you with a warm feeling inside.

I'm not sure why I liked it, but like it a lot I did.

It ticks along at a steady pace, being both humorous and entertaining, giving the viewer the impression the cast also enjoyed acting in it.

On the negative side, there's no bad language, no nudity, no confusing plot and no pointless CGI. On the positive side, it is fun.