Take It or Leave It

This was a funny old film...I only glanced at it in a bargain bin where I bought it from and thought it was a documentary of the band from more recent times. However once I put it on it was truly baffling without any background context - at first I thought it was a documentary filmed at the actual time of them getting together (which would have been pretty amazing for a unheard of working class band in 1976 but not so nowadays with wall to wall "pop reality" shows). Then I thought for a while it was filmed now (i.e post 2000) and them playing themselves back then. Then I realised that it was actually a film of them in 1981 reenacting how they got together 3/4 years previously. Anyway the oddness of the concept aside....the acting is terrible and I think that adds to the "is this a documentary or a film ?" puzzle. But the true best bits for Madness fans are the gigs they perform in various London pubs - absolutely quality and guaranteed to get you moon-stomping around the front room. If you want an intellectual film about Madness and their vaudevillian contribution to the pop canon then this ain't it but if you want raw Madness "going off" in some packed London boozers then this is for you.

The acting in this film may not be brilliant, this film does, however, provide an accurate picture of life in a band. It does not glorify the band members and their achievements but it is a very down to earth narrative about the trials and tribulations of an emerging band. There is some good music to be found and it is worthwile to watch a band grow towards its final shape as one of England's finest bands. Take it, don't leave it!

This is a decent film. By no means an BAFTA winner, but it's a great piece of work retelling the story of Madness' formation. There's a few instances of some shoddy acting, but what would you expect? Also something interesting to note is that a lot of the diegetic background music is songs that the band (at the time the film is set) would then go on to write and release on albums. Overall a good, engaging, enjoyable film, that may or may not be everyone's cup of tea- but as the title itself says, you can feel free to Take It Or Leave It.

A must see for any Madness fans or not. Takes a while to get some of the story, however that's the only for. The songs are brilliant, and it you can really see the progression of the band throughout time. Although it is labeled as "drama" it's surprisingly funny and entertaining. It's one of those films that you don't need loads of CGI or stunts to make it good, it's the story that drives it.

I first saw this film at the cinema when it was first released , and I was awestruck then as I a teenager in doc martins as am now coming into my 50's. it you're a Madness fan you'll be smiling all the way through this , brilliantly edited and although the acting is raw , it adds to the whole feel of the documentary angle there were looking for. Watching it again now brings back fond memories if my childhood following Madness. It's a great insight into the origins of the band , and makes you wish you were there at those first live gigs in London.

Recommend for all Madness fans obviously but also for anyone brought up in the 80's music scene as the film will transport you back to those wonderful days.