Adulthood

In my opinion, Kidulthood is one of the best Urban films that the UK has created and Adulthood is certainly a worthy sequel.

Things have changed since the end of Kidulthood, it's six years on and Sam (Noel Clarke) has just been released from Prison. Sam has done a lot of growing up over the previous six years and Prison has made him a man. He sets out to apologise for his actions but things don't run as smoothly as he would have hoped.. Jay (played by Adam Deacon) hasn't grown up, he is still out on the streets and now sells drugs for a living. Once he hears of Sam's release, he only has one thing on his mind; Revenge.

Noel Clarke proves yet again how talented he is as he takes on the role of Lead Actor & Director. His acting skills are impressive as he transforms the school bully Sam into a scared, vulnerable young man. He really breaks down the characters barriers and lets the viewer connect with him, you feel for him and his emotion throughout the film is very realistic. In Kidulthood he was the character everyone hated, now he has turned to the character everybody loves. That is very impressive and made possibly by Noel Clarkes acting skills and his role as Director. Adam Deacon gives another great performance here; yes he is annoying and over the top and in your face but that is his character! He is playing the boy who never grew up, who still lives a street life and if full of anger and hate. There is a scene towards the end of the movie which highlights both of their acting skills and really shows the viewer what they are capable of when given the chance. The other supporting actors are also decent; however some of the characters are irritating and are trying to play to part a little too hard. Plan B is extremely annoying in this movie, his face alone makes you want to put your foot through the TV screen!

Adulthood is a direct follow on from Kidulthood, many of the same characters and many references to the previous movie so I would say it is essential to view Kidulthood first. Adulthood feels a lot more serious and mature than Kidulthood, it is much more emotional and has a much darker feel to it. The Grime soundtrack is also a massive hit with some classic tunes included.

8/10

I found ADULTHOOD to be a decent film and one which actually surpasses the original. The reason is that I prefer the plot: I find the story of a sole character's redemption on the mean streets of London to be more focused and compelling than the multi-character narratives of the first film, KIDULTHOOD. At times, ADULTHOOD feels like nothing less than a modern-day western, with characters forming alliances and battling it out in a virtually lawless society.

Noel Clarke goes from strength to strength, undertaking not one, not two, but three separate roles here. First and foremost he directs, giving the movie the kind of gritty realism it desperately needs. Secondly he writes, crafting an interesting tale populated by engaging characters. Finally he acts, and delivers a fine performance as a man struggling to come to terms with his identity and place in society.

The supporting cast are fine – some delivering over-the-top performances, others more restrained and heartfelt, as the script requires. Overall, ADULTHOOD has a refreshing honesty about it that stems from the lives of the people it depicts: it tells their story in an unpretentious, almost documentary style, with plenty of natural humour and a great deal of emotion.

I had not watched Kidhood, the prequel to this movie but was so damn moved by Adulthood. I later realised that you don't need to watch the part 1 of it. Sam , the character was strong and genuine and in-your-face types and the movie, for sure, portrayed the underground life of the youngsters in the UK.

Worth a watch for sure and recommended for a critics award. The violence scenes were brutal at times but am sure the movie demanded the same.

Hats off to the director for bringing out raw talents out of these young actors and highlighting the growing problems of young crimes in this country.

The first Kidulthood was a hard hitting reality based story based on the non-glamorised side that Hollywood would rather forget, it was however a very well made movie which even touched several points which I could relate to growing up in London. However the sequel was not that easy to watch either. Picking up on the events of what happened six years after the events of the first movie we find that the so called hunter has now become the hunted. Our murdering little hooligan has just come out of prison after doing his time and has realised that he is now a wanted man. This time it was still not easy to watch as we see people still stuck in the same vicious web and make no attempt to escape from it what so ever and that bleakish undertone always stays with the movie through out. Noel Clarke shows us an excellent way the consequence what certain actions may lead to on your-self and others around you. At the end of the day it kind of reinforces ones belief as to what is happening to society over here in general and who do we blame ? or how do we fix it? Like its predecessors it has funny moments but might feel a little unrealistic in places but in general it makes its point loud and clear. Check it out.

ADULTHOOD - 8.4 OUT OF 10

AFTER KIDULTHOOD COMES...

Having just seen this film at a BAFTA preview, I felt that it deserves a favourable review. Noel Clarke has realised a well written, captivating film. Melodrama and action is finely balanced, moving the storyline smoothly along whilst capturing all the relevant aspects of the protagonists journey. There were one or two contrivances that were a little beyond expected reality, but they weren't totally unreasonable and only served to highlight the overall realism of the storyline. It is after all a drama and some concessions need to made to keep the suspense. The characters are all extremely believable and the cast all contribute with superb performances, bar none. Noel Clarke's own performance is outstanding, and is the bedrock of the film. Having only been aware of him from his appearances in Dr.Who, I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of character he manages to portray. The dialogue seems to be authentic in style and avoids making the actors seem like caricatures, as can so easily be done in films of a similar theme. Brian Tufano's cinematography was well measured and help to maintain a good balance between some nice editing, great soundtrack and solid direction.

I think Noel Clarke should be justly proud of his achievement in writing , starring and directing this genuinely entertaining film. If I seem to be lauding too much praise, it is because this film didn't fail to deliver where so many other low budget films do. It is a film with honesty, heart, action and integrity without preaching or patronising the viewer.

I liked it and I'm a cynical sod, so if anyone sees Noel Clarke, tell him he done alright.

Darcus (not Howe)