"What do you want to travel for, there’re parts of Reading you ain’t seen yet"
The first feature film from Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, it doesn’t disappoint, but then it doesn’t dazzle either, although it is littered with the Gervais/Merchant brand of humour.
The tale of three friends Freddy (Christian Cooke), Bruce (Tom Hughes)& Snork (Jack Doolan) coming of age in Reading circa 1973, Freddy wants to make something of his life, not ending up like his dad (Ricky Gervais) working in a factory all his life, Bruce, who often lets his temper get the better of him, and Snork the obligatory dim-wit who has trouble picking up girls, all pretty formulaic stuff, but its not so much story as the characters that pull you in.
The main trio are all very likable, Freddy’s family are all well meaning, though quite ignorant, his mentor, played by Matthew Goode (Watchmen) is a slimy, arrogant and frankly a bit of a cunt. Then you also have Insurance boss Ralph Fiennes, playing a rather cold and money minded individual, like Scrooge without the chance of redemption, and Emily Watson as his down-trodden wife.
However I think the character of Brian, the café owner, was a mis-judgement on the half of Gervais/Merchant, as he seems like a character that’s escaped the set of Little Britain, seeming quite out of place, while also bringing the film down with him.
The stand out scene for me happens towards the films finale, where Bruce has ended up in a cell yet again for his temper, and Steve Speirs Copper, who has been a great friend to the trio, looses his patience with Bruce and a rather heated dialogue ensues.
Watch the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYDeHIszUqA
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