Comes a Bright Day

After watching this surprising little discovery on netflix l was a bit shocked to see some of the negative reviews on here. I think the problem is some viewers have come to this movie with the preconception that it's a mindless heist/hostage film...it is not! Quintessentially British, in a good way... this film has heart, a great soundtrack and an unusual, but warm tone. Come to it with an open mind and no preconceptions. Absolutely worth a watch.

I watched the film this morning and was really rather surprised by the negative comments. I will admit that the plot feels like it meanders somewhat, and it is simplistic in nature. However, it is an incredibly thought provoking film that really demonstrates how assumptions are not always true. I will not spoil the plot, but the characters in the movie all have tremendous depth apart from the main villain. But the main villain's shallow character allows the watcher to think how they will about him.

I was absorbed in it utterly and really feel this is an undiscovered gem of a film. The behaviours are quintessentially British and show real resolve under stress.

It could make a marvellous stage play I think, if it hasn't been there already.

To those who didn't enjoy it, you are welcome to your opinion, but it is clear to me that you probably struggle to understand British culture and that will have led you to misunderstand this film.

This is a film I've been tracking for a while through develoment as it has some quality throughout the production and acting teams. I have to say the team have done a great job of blending romantic comedy with adventure action - finally, a movie that has something for me and the lady in my life...It reminds me of the classic London BritFlick films such as LockStock but less comedic and updated to feel more realistic. London looks beautiful, the cast are beautiful and the script beautifully written. It twists and turns and in some places isn't fully explained - but I'm not sure that's a negative - more a sign of a robust storyteller at work. I'd like to know more about the team behind this as it is shot in a unique way that adds to the 'new feel' of the film. It also reminds me just how stunning the city is as a backdrop for such fim making.

The imbalance caused by the reviewer from New york is a shame. He talks about IQ over 70, but he obviously didn't understand this movie. It is robust and well acted and there certainly is chemistry between the leads. Don't be put off by this American misery. Well worth your time! By the way I have an IQ of 149 and couldn't fault it.The pace is consistent, the locations are excellent, and any appearance by Timothy Spall is a bonus. I feel the Brits do this sort of caper far better than Hollywood, especially considering the low budget, you don't need bucket loads of cash thrown at a project to make sure it's good, or a "star name". Let's appreciate it for what it is and leave the criticism for those megabucks movies from USA that leave you cold, and waste your time!

Comes a Bright Day (2012)

Give this a chance. It starts oddly, and there a couple of actors who give pretty thin performances in the opening scenes. But eventually you'll end up in the main situation of the movie, which I hate to even say. For now, there is a small group of people trapped together and in the process of figuring out what to do, a romance is born. It's all so unlikely and yet so warmly believable--the romance part of it the story--you end up glad you made it to the end.

Along the way there is a mix of storytelling and desperate thuggery. It's a bit contrived and in a way unlikely, but you end up focussing on the people and their characters more than the larger plot. This is where is shines.

The director, Simon Aboud, has a short history and it shows here. (From his web site he also fancies himself a contemporary photographer, but his work is wobbly there, too.) In the movie, something doesn't click as it goes. The story, too, is oddly one-dimensional despite the characters being so full-blooded. And there are moments of really high drama (with the police) that are mere glances in the movie (probably to avoid distracting us) and moments of tenderness that are too few.

The cast saves the film. Most interesting might be the quirky main character, played by Craig Roberts, who has mostly television behind him but who is just coming of age as an adult actor. His love interest is played by Imogen Poots, who is a more established young actress and who is clearly good, in fact probably better than the director realized because she doesn't always penetrate except by being likable.