SouthSide

Where do i start? i really don't know, i saw this on some cheap cable TV channel a couple of weeks ago and cannot believe they have it listed on here, on top of that they have a website for this pathetic c**p!! oh my god the director really is shameless if he thinks anyone would be dumb enough to check that out. i notice the reviews on this page come from family friends by the surnames and it doesn't surprise me at all.the director Mcmahon really needs to go to film school or if he has been he needs to phone them right now and get a refund because he clearly hasn't got a clue how to make a film. please do yourself a favour Mr and never ever write or direct again please...i beg you, life's too short for rubbish like this.

I really enjoyed this short Film and am looking forward to this directors next film. For me STeven Lockwood's tramp ,a truly superb performance.This film contained a pace and comedic style that I have not seen in a short film for decades.All the characters work, and well acted .This film works as the cast are mostly unknown and they give a great depth to their performances.An example of this in the chase scene across the common ,one of the actors, Verge ,trips and the cast just go with it. I hope it gets a wider audience.....Far to often ,young filmmakers,cast and crew do not get the support from either government or regional film commission offices that they need to pursue their talent,I do hope that will not be the case with the crew of Southside.

This film started off with a great title sequence and establishes good character depth right from the off, with great original music opening the film which continues throughout the rest of it as well as being perfectly suited to the tone of the film. We get an good insight into the central character 'Billy Shears' life right away. We understand his background and where he has come from and why he is in the situation he is currently in when we join him in his story. Which enables you to sympathise with him even though he is a bit of a fool.

The stand out scene for me was interaction between Billy and Norris Morris (Job centre manager) during a job interview at the local Job Centre. The story moves along very quickly and involves a large number of characters which makes this short film standout from others.

Usually I'm not a fan of short films, but this one had great characters, good storyline, lots of dialogue, unfortunately crammed into a very short space of time. The climax of the story is dealt with very well and does not leave you with a cop out ending.

The film goes by so quickly I felt like I would have liked to seen more of 'Billy Shears' story. The overall feeling I got from this short film was that it had great atmosphere, very cinematic and very entertaining to watch.

This was one of the first short films I'd ever seen, and It was wonderful short film.

A very entertaining, funny and lighthearted little story about an unlikely friendship between a dizzy Mancunian twit and a charismatic Irish Tramp.

It's told in a none linear structure with flashbacks and fast paced, snappy editing that always keeps your attention as it moves from one person's story to the others.

It starts off quite chilled and nostalgic before letting rip into a series of unfortunate events between the 3 main characters. The guy who plays the tramp is fantastic, a really convincing performance.

It cracked me up on a number of occasions, and ended in an unexpected, yet mature manner - I loved it.

The first thing that struck me on beginning to watch Southside was the music. The melancholy guitar effectively set the tone for the rest of the film. I too often find the use of contemporary music quite distracting and sometimes detached from the imagery and narrative, but this soundtrack suited well and didn't overwhelm. As the film starts the style is confidently established, a simple fish out of water story that effortlessly also serves as an urban adventure that one can relate to and a glimpse into an unlikely friendship, be it fleeting or potentially long term.

The opening scenes, and recurring scenes between the 2 leads, make great use of a small space, the camera was nicely intimate and innovative with short nervy shots that suit the nature of the initially uncomfortable encounter.

The atmosphere of how a crowded city like London is ultimately very isolating and lonely for an individual is captured instantly in the 2 lead characters brief but telling stories of how they both came to be there. I always appreciate a film, especially a short that makes the most of London, and it being such a sprawling location I like how Southside closes in, avoiding the temptation to stray and focus on big buildings and long high streets that we see all too often in city set shorts.

With it's subtle humour ,and not so subtle in one funny yet unattractive instance, the film maker here understands the distinction between making light of a bleak situation and in a typically British tradition smartly drawing comedy out of everyday misery. It also doesn't stray into what some call gritty territory, seems most can do gritty but fewer can do satisfyingly funny yet natural and intimate. The 2 leads are strong and likable, both portraying naivety and weariness in their contrasting ways, never forcing their dialogue. The supporting cast could be a little less exaggerated and don't appear natural enough in their few lines, but this doesn't particularly hurt the overall film. I would've perhaps liked to have seen the film end a little closer to the final action, but I am one for open endings in shorts as opposed to ones that tie scenarios unrealistically neat and quick.

I definitely recommend watching Southside especially to those interested in British and short film. It's strengths lie in the perfecting of the basics, such as characters, dialogue, impact, original visuals and entertainment, which so many overlook.