Beyond the Pole

I really love this film. Its a spoof eco doc about one man's attempt to walk to the North Pole. The first carbon neutral, vegetarian unassisted attempt. The cast are familiar to followers of British comedy and the performances are universally excellent. It certainly has moments of low budgetness but then that is also part of its charm. It reminds me of other great spoof docs like Spinal Tap but with a very clear environmental agenda. It is very good at laughing at itself while still staying on message. It is very funny in a very British sort of way but also manages to be profoundly moving at times as well which is a very difficult thing to pull off. If you get the chance, see it.

We watched this on DVD today (too hot to go out) and the whole family loved it!

It's not often you see a film that really stays with you but we were all talking about it right through dinner and my brother and his friends have already started quoting their favourite lines - a sure fire indicator of a cult hit if ever there was one!

Everyone loved Stephen Mangan and Rhys Thomas who are just the most wonderful friends in it (bickering their way across the ice was just hilarious and a bit like a dysfunctional marriage!) but personally my favourites were Rosie Cavaliero (not an actress I'd seen before) and Lars Arentz Hansen. These two were so truthful and funny I just loved watching them every time they came on screen. Real stars in the making (if they're not already - I don't know!!)

Also I have to say that the DVD extras just are lovely. The actors are so, so funny and the story of the making of it just so great. Thankyou!

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.

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.

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.