How to Stop Being a Loser

I have an idea how difficult it is to make an independent film but at the same time you always have to remember that the general people who go to the cinema don't care, all they're interested in is being entertained. After all they pay the same for a movie ticket to a tiny Brit film as they do for a ticket to Transformers! So when I went into an insider screening of HTSBAL at Showcase I tried very hard to see through they eyes of someone who doesn't know the work that goes into these projects. I'm not sure if I managed that but what I am certain of is that I thought this film was quite brilliant, hilarious as it is heartfelt, the humour balancing perfectly with the character development and the story exposition. The performances were all round strong with no exception and the chemistry between our principals Phillips, Conway, Atkinson and Leonidas was great, I know three of them have worked together again and this comes as no surprise to me. Plus the outtakes at the end had me rolling, I love it when films do outtakes. I think I may actually have to check it out one more time.

This film is different and I seriously doubt it had anything like the million pound budget it claims to have on here but don't let it's relatively low budget put you off. Right from the genius opening scene with Richard E Grant, who I so wish would do more edgy comedy which for me is when he's at his best, the film takes you on a twisty journey that is tricky to predict because it doesn't actually follow the typical romantic comedy well trodden plot, it almost does, which for me is what makes it so clever. It remains a step ahead of you the whole time while drawing you to believe it's taking you on a journey you already know the destination of. The blonde is pretty spectacular but for me, the actress who plays Patch is just drop dead gorgeous, major crush! Some major laugh out loud set pieces and a couple of moments where the proverbial envelope is most certainly pushed! For me worth a second watch but this time with my mates rather than my girl.

So Loser vs Twilight! So the film makers are nothing if not brave. I'm guessing the general audience who go and see romantic comedies are teenage girls, no? So why release against Twilight whose main audience is... Teenage girls, right? It's a shame because I loved this film, I thought it was so sweet and yes it had some laugh out loud moments but the love story was great and as embarrassing as it is to admit, I didn't see the end coming. I believed it was going in the direction they were taking me, that's all I'll say without risking spoilers. Martin Kemp was brilliant as the love God, he's a movie star and I'd love to see him in more movies, although his IMDb says he's now directing. A shame, too beautiful not to be on screen more. My favourite part was the outtakes at the end and that's not a back handed compliment, I really enjoyed the film but the outtakes were a riot!

I actually got bought this film as a joke! (my flatmate thinking he was funny - think about the title) so I went into it without knowing a thing. I thought it was MAD funny and I actually found myself caring about the lead, James, in his plight to win over the girl of his dreams. (maybe I am a loser after all!) By far my favourite character was the physiatrist who pops up throughout which leads to a BRILLIANT twist at the end I genuinely didn't see coming. The funniest scene is one I can't really describe on here, but look out for a drunken sexual encounter that left me giggling so hard I had to rewind the DVD! Great fun, highly recommended.

9/10

This movie is well worth the watch. It has some entertaining moments, and does draw you into the story. You can connect with a variety of characters, regardless of your personal story. Just watch it and try to connect it to your life, and this movie will help illustrate what is wrong in the world in many ways, but also shows how some things that have been devalued by the media and society are the most important. Don't look past your friends, and seek solely money or personal fame. There are many funny scenes in this movie, though for the most part there aren't many known actors, shows how on a lower budget a good movie can be made. It takes the basic love-interest storyline a step further as well.