Les vainqueurs

Before she became a big star Kelly McDonald appeared in low budget films like this one that tried to ape the 'feel good British comedy' vibe that was in fashion after The Full Monty.

In principle the idea behind this film is not a bad one. Old bingo hall vs. the new upcoming one. There's lots of room for outlandish characters and sentiment as the staff work together to save the old hall. It also allows room for star turns from people like Freddie Jones.

And yet it doesn't work, despite a good performance from McDonald. The main problem is that the film doesn't seem to know whether it wants to be a big bawdy comedy or a sweet sentimental one. In the end it flits between both camps and ends up being neither.

It's an OK film for a rainy day, but I certainly wouldn't spend big money chasing down a copy.

It won't change your life. There's no road to Damascus moment and neither is it seminal. However, it is well acted, especially Kelly McDonald who's superb in everything she does, and Miriam Margolyes, who is the same, with a story that will leave you with a warm feeling inside.

I'm not sure why I liked it, but like it a lot I did.

It ticks along at a steady pace, being both humorous and entertaining, giving the viewer the impression the cast also enjoyed acting in it.

On the negative side, there's no bad language, no nudity, no confusing plot and no pointless CGI. On the positive side, it is fun.

Set in a small South Wales town La Scala bingo hall is struggling to compete with the new, flashy complex that is opening on the other side of town. La Scala has been a family business for three generations, first a music hall then a variety theatre, next a cinema and now a bingo hall. Mr Anzani (Freddie Jones) the present Welsh/Italian owner tries desperately to keep the hall going as his regular clientele desert him to go to the new hi-tech centre. The star caller at La Scala (Jason Hughes) is also deserting the sinking ship to advance his career in the Bingo world. It is up to Linda (Kelly Macdonald) to save the day. Linda with her aunt (Miriam Margolyes) devise a fascinating scheme to put La Scala back on the map. Meanwhile Linda's working colleague Kay (Mossie Smith) flirts outrageously with any man that comes across her path. She provides most of the laughs, the scene when she gets a soaking when the tank bursts is brilliant - it has to be seen to be believed.

All the members of the cast are perfect in their roles - it is basically a young cast and obviously full of talent to look for in the future, especially Kelly Macdonald of Train Spotting fame. Everything is just right, the sets, costumes and locations. The director is Julian Kemp - another young person that hopefully we will be hearing a lot more of.

House is a very enjoyable film, there is nothing in it that could offend. No violence, only the odd swear word, no big special effects, no explicit sex scenes - how refreshing. It was good to be able to watch a film and be entertained, laugh at their antics, feel for their anguish and just feel that an enjoyable evening has been spent.

House breezes along with bags of charm - it is a real gem.

I saw this film at a preview screening. If you only see one film about Bingo set in South Wales this year - make it this one. Fantastic performances from all concerned and the superbly refreshing direction means never a dull moment. This is not your standard Brit-Film. When the film ends, you'll want to go back in and watch it all over again. Director Julian Kemp is certainly one to watch out for in the future! I highly recommend you see this film.

My brother got me on to this film, I'm just getting over a bad Viral infection so i'm spending a bit of time at home. He bought me a load of DVD's to borrow and some where in the middle was this one. It's about the closer of an independent Bingo hall and a community trying to save it from the evil grip of corporate Bingo (stay with it, it looks better than it sounds).

it's the sort of film you'll see on a sunday afternoon and it'll make you feel good about the world.

just give it watch, you'll love it.