The Booze Cruise

5 blokes nip to Calais for cheap plonk in the days when it was allegedly cheaper, to buy the stuff in France than in the local supermarket.

This first episode of the trilogy introduces us to a number of family situations and we. Glimpse further edges to the relationships.

There is the happy family man Dave Bolton with his ever loving spouse, the lovely Cath the perfect couple.

There's Dave's best mate and fellow Booze Cruiser Rob along his significant other Leone, and his male proclivities.

Another ingredient is the Rainer family husband Clive his spouse Ruth, and their thoroughly spoilt daughter Chloe.

Any more for the skylark?

Rather there are the pensioners Grace and Maurice, who live somewhat adjacent to Rob and Dave.

Indeed they all reside almost cheek by jowl with one another, though they are separated by more than distance.

These are the main or principal ingredients but its how they stir together, that makes this a great and enjoyable jaunt.

I watched this on TV tonight, remembering with vague fondness its original outing in 2003. It was a delight, with an excellent script supported by a first rate cast. Not subtle, but warm, clean and really rather innocent fun. All Whilst the strongest elements were the combative relationship between Brian Murphy and Neil Pearson the sub stories with Ben Wishaw and Martin Clunes was also strong. Meanwhile back at home the wives (Claire Skinner and Anne Reid) were also enjoying themselves. Some predictable turns but all done with such charm that the 2 hours flew by. A real treat.

I love this program! I have watched it so many times and have the boxset at home. I wish they still made comedies like this today. Shame things like this aren't repeated either. Luckily we have the internet and IMDB to rediscover lost classics and find new ones.

The Booze Cruise (2003) follows a group of men who go on a booze cruise to France where they experience success and many mishaps along the way. This film is a lot of fun and a very enjoyable watch! The actors all do great jobs and play very loveable and funny characters.

The film doesn't have much in terms of cinematography and there's no notable colour palettes, but this isn't really an issue considering the film's focus is on the characters and humour. The lighting is mainly very natural looking, and all the shots are clear and professionally filmed.

The original score is incredibly goofy, and adds to the humour of the movie in a fairly subtle way. The music used definitely fits the overall tone and vibe of the film, and the sound design is decent without being over-the-top.

What makes this film a blast to watch is definitely the characters; the actors all do great jobs at bringing likeable and well written characters to life. All the characters contrast each other nicely, with drastically different personalities and a lot of chemistry between them. Also, the dialogue is well written, including a lot of funny and witty jokes.

Lastly, this film is an easy watch that anyone can have a good time watching. Not much actually happens, but I found myself consistently entertaining due to the performances and writing. The movie is structured in a basic yet clear manner that follows Todorov's theory of equilibrium.

What a delightful surprise. I hadn't thought I would watch this, expecting another example of of bad behaviour, foul language and drunkeness.

But nothing of the sort. Instead an excellent drama, full of comedy that made me laugh out loud (and that doesn't often happen these days). Brilliant. 10 out of 10. We need more dramas like this.

It was well written with great acting and good direction and editing. The fun was original and kept me riveted, wondering what was going to happen next. The upsets were not driven into pathos and left you feeling that all's well that ends well. More like this please (and an early repeat showing too).