Charlie Noades R.I.P

WAS it worth the wait? You bet it was, writes PADDY SHENNAN. It's not every day (or year) that you watch a film which oozes with likability – and Charlie Noades RIP is that film. "Wayne Rooney's just arrived!" I overheard someone say as I left the Showcase as the credits rolled. If that was true, then he missed a treat. Neil Fitzmaurice leads a top-notch cast in a low-budget film which is high on quality and high on laughs – a terrific tale well told. The action centres on struggling family business Parr's Scrap and Salvage, run by Les Parr (John McArdle), who has been forced to take out a dodgy loan from big bad property developer Vinny McCoy (John Henshaw) – one default and McCoy will have the land he needs for his latest development. Les's son, Steve (Neil Fitzmaurice) has big plans for the yard but is blissfully unaware of the perilous position it is now in. And then, out of the blue, Steve is left a small chest in a will by a complete stranger which contains diaries telling of Steve's grandfather's old gang and a shipment of gold, hidden after being taken from a wrecked boat in the mid-1950s. The location of the gold was known only to Steve's grandfather and his sudden death took the secret with him to the grave. Cue a modern-day treasure hunt – can Steve find the gold and save the day? That would be telling. The film is packed with delicious dialogue, winning one-liners and delightful characters – all human life is here (together with a very randy dog). It's a real team effort from a cast which looked like it had as much fun making it as the audience at the premiere had in watching it. Some things really are worth waiting for. VERY MUCH ALIVE 9/10

Caught this lovely little film a week ago at Prestatyn.

For those who are sick and tired of the "same old, same old" out of Hollywood, this is like a breath of fresh air. No gimmicks, no wildly overpaid stars, just a good story, solid acting and gentle humour. Another plus - all homegrown!

Neil Fitzmaurice pulls off a big role well, and his relationship with his father is both touching and realistic. You can feel the tension of a family business rapidly going down the tubes, and all of the stress that comes with it. Nonetheless, there's plenty of "feel good factor" that will leave you with a smile on your face.

So lovely to see that there are films coming out of the British industry that are worth going to the cinema to see. Could well be remembered as fondly as the likes of "Brassed Off" in years to come. Great to see something and not begrudge the ticket price for once!

Went to see this last night at the Scala in Prestatyn (FANTASTIC little cinema by the way).

There were some truly funny, laugh out loud moments in the movie, woven around a story that will resonate with many at the moment (a family business going bust).

Plenty of household names appear in some lovely little cameo roles, and in particular Fitzmaurice and McKardle conveyed the tension and love of a father/son relationship under strain really well.

So fantastic to see a British movie, with a good storyline and well drawn characters on a small budget - IT CAN BE DONE! Go and see it.

I watched this film earlier this evening, absolutely bloody fantastic enjoyed it from opening credits to walking out of the theatre. Original, witty, topical plot with twists and turns.

If you enjoy a splash of Scouse humour and you enjoyed even a hint of delight watching Phoenix Nights, then this clearly is a must for you.

A refreshing change from the southern based, every man and his dog is a gangster films that British cinema is littered with.

A lot of house hold names to be spotted in this captivating tale, special mention goes to a baldy bloke who appears in the last five minutes of the film...an up and coming star by the name of Colin Havey !

Find where this is showing, get off your sofas and watch it !

I was lucky to see this film at a screening and really enjoyed it. A totally unpretentious script with great performances from a British cast that includes some of my favourite comedy actors, John Thomson, Dave Spikey, Neil Fitzmaurice and John Henshaw to name but a few,. The film is set around a struggling scrap business in Liverpool and things go from bad to worse when the head of the family, Les Parr (John McArdle) takes out a loan from the local bad guy Vinny (John Henshaw). With little hope of paying the loan back and not reading the small print Les puts the whole business and everyone's future in jeopardy. The film then embarks on a treasure hunt that includes secret diaries and lost gold. There are a few bits in the film that the makers could have done better but overall the film is shot nicely and has some great one-liners. I have been a fan of Neil Fitzmaurice and his writing ever since "Phoenix Nights" and I am sure that fans of that show will enjoy Charlie Noades R.I.P as it has the same kind of feel and a good smattering of the Phoenix Night cast. I think that the film is the sort that will grow on people and do honestly think it could become a classic. Well done to all for making a warm, funny and uplifting film, it makes a change from poorly scripted British gangster movies or costume dramas. It is the closest film to an old Ealing Comedy I have seen for years. I am looking forward to its release for a second look, as I am sure I missed a lot first time round.