Beyond the Pole

I had the pleasure of seeing this film at a preview a few months ago. As a perfect counter balance to Mr Al Gore's film it's serious subject matter is handled with care and belly laughs. More fun at delivering the message than 50 politicians banging on. A must see for film buffs and white van man alike. In fact it should be shown in Westminster! A classic British film that takes on the issue of the day and makes you think "what can i do to change things?" Great writing and well cast. Good use of soundtrack music pushes the story along to good effect. Forget showing in Westminster, get it to schools and Uni's. "Beyond The Pole" is a very now film that you wont forget in a hurry.

Beyond The Pole is a tongue in cheek movie about climate change, among other things. It also deals with friendships that are strained to breaking point and the strength of human spirit, albeit with a comedic feel.

This independent mockumentary style film made me think while I laughed and at times, cringed. I never felt that it preached to me about the whole climate change debate, but somehow at the end I felt that I had been enlightened slightly.

Maybe it is because the film was actually shot on floating ice caps, with the whole handy cam feel, that it gives you a sense of actually being with the characters as they struggle with their adventure, through the good times, and the bad.

With twists and turns at many points, this film kept me guessing till the end.

A definite must see, even if it's only for a laugh.

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.

I viewed Beyond The Pole as a comedy first and ecological message second. Starting off with an idealogical dream, out two intrepid heroes (Steve Mangham and Rhys Thomas, both displaying flair for comedy) come up with an idea of combining a dream to reach the north Pole with getting into the Guinness Book of Records. They're going as the first non-supported, carbon-free and vegetarian team.

After selling flats and leaving a pregnant wife, the duo get to the Arctic (a beautifully dramatic landscape, filmed in Greenland) and correspond with home, via an amusing and always eating Mark Benton, whom, along with Rhys' wife, talk to them via satellite from a caravan in the middle of a field. Mangham's wife, meanwhile, jollies it up in the south of France with his old school-pal.

Back in Greenland, the team's cameraman shoots an inquisitive polar bear and things start to fall apart and frictions arise between the two pals. Hot on the their trail are an organised and professional Norwegian team, competing under the same rules. When they catch up with our motley duo, they find that out that they happen to be a gay couple. Or were. A couple, that is.

It's fresh and breezy, but never THAT funny and I found some of the relationship bickering a bit trying though overall, a fair stab at something a bit different and ultimately quite enjoyable.

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.