How to Stop Being a Loser

I have an idea how difficult it is to make an independent film but at the same time you always have to remember that the general people who go to the cinema don't care, all they're interested in is being entertained. After all they pay the same for a movie ticket to a tiny Brit film as they do for a ticket to Transformers! So when I went into an insider screening of HTSBAL at Showcase I tried very hard to see through they eyes of someone who doesn't know the work that goes into these projects. I'm not sure if I managed that but what I am certain of is that I thought this film was quite brilliant, hilarious as it is heartfelt, the humour balancing perfectly with the character development and the story exposition. The performances were all round strong with no exception and the chemistry between our principals Phillips, Conway, Atkinson and Leonidas was great, I know three of them have worked together again and this comes as no surprise to me. Plus the outtakes at the end had me rolling, I love it when films do outtakes. I think I may actually have to check it out one more time.

OK, so I'm going to hold my hands up and admit that I was actually in attendance at the premiere of this film, it was ram packed (people sitting in the aisle's!) and I assume the audience must have at least leaned friendly. However the one thing about a comedy is that if no one laughs, the film isn't working... Well Loser brought the house down! ! It's a long, long time since I was in a cinema with such an incredible atmosphere and I go to the cinema a lot, including many premiere's. The film is packed full of great cameos and all the performances are pitch perfect, everyone seems to be having an absolute ball from Richard E Grant right through and the outtakes over the end credits seem to confirm this. OK the script hardly reinvents the wheel but it isn't short of a couple twists and turns and the end is belting, I came out with a huge grin, what more can you ask for from a British romcom?! HIGHLY recommend.

This movie is well worth the watch. It has some entertaining moments, and does draw you into the story. You can connect with a variety of characters, regardless of your personal story. Just watch it and try to connect it to your life, and this movie will help illustrate what is wrong in the world in many ways, but also shows how some things that have been devalued by the media and society are the most important. Don't look past your friends, and seek solely money or personal fame. There are many funny scenes in this movie, though for the most part there aren't many known actors, shows how on a lower budget a good movie can be made. It takes the basic love-interest storyline a step further as well.

Finally thought i'd give this a watch last night, despite the critics terrible reviews of his movie, and oh dear oh dear oh dear... How right they were. Simon's character James was far too 'done to death' with 'cameos' being very few and far between of Actors i'd actually heard of! The girl who played Patch in the movie (Stephanie Leondis) was quite sweet to watch, her chemistry with James on screen was believable, but that of her bumbling friends were most certainly not. Hannah (Gemma Atkinson from Hollyoaks 'fame') was uncharismatic, wooden and dull as James's lifelong crush, along with Simon himself sometimes falling into the same lower league. I felt throughout casting could have gone to an array of more talented, realistic actors out there, although Ampersands character had his moments of greatness. All that said the end has a very funny twist with a psychiatrist, which did make me laugh. One movie though, I'd never watch again or recommend, and want that 90 mins of my life back! 3/10

Just for once, every so often, it's nice to walk away from razzle dazzle high-tech wizardry and enjoy a straightforward, hugely entertaining film that can stand up on its own merits, without a gargantuan budget, and without several studios working day and night on CG or other effects. If, like me, you find British comedies films normally fit neatly into one of two camps..very good or genuinely terrible, you'll be pleasantly surprised by this little gem. The acting is superb throughout, the storyline is plausible, and the movie rolls along at a steady pace without seeming bloated or skimping on details. The comedy is very much in the detail here, not always in the spoken word or action - which is refreshing to see, and typically British. I'd imagine that this film would appeal to those of us that feel slightly disenchanted with increasingly formulaic Hollywood churn-outs, and those that like a feel-good flick, but can't seem to find one under the groaning mountain of horror films. I realize its 'uncool' to admit to enjoying films of this nature these days. I fully understand that I'd earn far more cool-points by enthusing over the latest cheap zero-storyline hack-and-slash part 8 movie, but I've seen enough of these to honestly say I never want to see another ever again. These days, when life seems increasingly short of laughs, and even escapism isn't catered for, films like this are a welcome relief and a breath of fresh air. Avoid those who'll over-analyse, over-criticize, and otherwise dissect this slice of romantic comedy, and just buy/ rent it. I think you'll be glad you did!