Hard Shoulder

Why so many people have criticised this film so negatively Is a mystery to me. OK, so there's no Monsters or Demons, neither Is their any slashing & gore (well, not much!). This film belongs In the psychological & surreal section of the horror genre and so, understandably, may very well be disappointing to the general Horror fan. But we have to apply some deep thinking to fully get to grips with this film - It really Is a well-written script which needs to be deconstructed and considered carefully , In order to fully understand the intricacies of the story.

Considering a budget of just £250,000 (when Tens or Hundreds of Millions are the norm by todays standards), many of the disparaging comments are inconsiderate and unfair - you can only work with the tools you've got and I firmly believe, when all Is considered, that some people haven't given this film the recognition It deserves.

That said, these are only my personal opinions and I know that some people out there will want to slap this silly old sod - but I stand by what I say. Sorry, guys!

BASIC SYNOPSIS :- Mother, Stepfather and their two kids (Boy-and-girl teens) set off on a short trip, presumably In an attempt to settle the differences which have been leading 'Mum and Dad' towards the end of the relationship. Their car veers off the roadway when a bunch of Inbred Travellers ("Carnies") use their van to cause the family car to crash and then kidnap them. The unconscious family awaken to find themselves chained by their arms to the ceiling of an abandoned Diner within a dark, dystopic and dilapidated Fairground.

Both written and directed by the talented Nicholas David Lean, this film Is one which perhaps needs a further viewing to fully get to grips with what's at the centre of the story. But such Is the cryptic nature of films like this.

I won't give out any direct spoilers - as you'll no doubt be aware, they're not called "spoilers" for nothing, and often completely ruin your enjoyment of a film or video! Enjoy, friends!

We are often reminded that we have have the best film technicians here in the UK and indeed we have a solid movie history but so often we have trouble marrying that expertise with well produced movies. And this is a prime example. This was looking dire from the outset with the woefully amateur acting but I thought I'd stay with it until the end but it turned out to be clichéd, unimaginative drivel. It's just a complete embarrassment from start to finish and apart from Jamie Foreman I did not recognise anyone else in this mess so maybe the rest of the ensemble were hired on the cheap to play the Hillbillies? Do we have Hillbillies in the UK? Anyway, don't waste your time.

Having seen the screener for hard shoulder my first reaction was....run it again...right now! I wasn't sure to expect from a relatively low budget movie by a rookie but I was mesmerised from start to finish. What, on the face of it, appears to be a psychological thriller/horror/fantasy type film, actually runs far deeper and is so cleverly written that even those looking out for it will feel they have missed some of the pieces of the puzzle. As a professional psychotherapist, I found the story line and portrayal insightful and accurate. As a film lover, I found it thrilling, captivating, even shocking in places. Talking to some of the cast after the screening, I was touched by the loyalty each and everyone had for the writer, director and producer, Nicholas David lean. It would seem that they admire his talent and creativity but also hold him in high esteem for his integrity and dedication to the profession. One actress said to me that she had never realised just how many layers where involved in the film, even though she'd played a main character! If you love psychology, horror, characters, some of the actors or just a brilliant film that leaves you wanting more, Hard Shoulder is a must- see.

I had the pleasure of attending a private screening of Hard Shoulder through a friend.

I wasn't sure what to expect from the director Nicholas David Lean's film debut, but I was very glad I got to watch it.

When the Hard Shoulder starts out you're not sure what to expect, another film about an unhappy family? No. This is after all a psychological thriller. After setting the scene of a unhappy family trying to hold things together, the film gradually builds up the tension and takes a very dark, disturbing and violent turn. Then just when you think you have a grasp of what's going on there is a brilliantly unexpected twist.

There is some great acting turns in the film from the likes of Lucy Drive, and Jamie Foreman. Jamie now better known as Derek Branning from Eastenders.

I'm not sure when this film is out on general release, but if you get the chance, go see it!

On the surface this had the makings of something like Michael Heineke's Funny Games (the excellent 1997 German version, not the crappy 2007 Hollywood one) but it quickly descends into B-grade horror. Minimal tension, wafer-thin plot (and what there is is unoriginal).

Nothing good about this. Avoid.