Review of Anuvahood (2011) by Mike H — 22 Mar 2011

Despite a few problems, in particular the "there's always someone harder" message that the film lazily falls back upon, I rather enjoyed Anuverhood. The comedy is broad but it works and, considering the target audience will be the mid-teen yoof, it translates pretty well to the wider audience.

It's a story of identity; how kids on a London estate assume personas they think will get them through: tough, street, urban rather than urbane. All the performances are on the large side but that really reflects that the characters are, themselves, bigging it up, innit bruv.

Largest of all is Richie Campbell as Tyrone, the local badman. His performance is totally over the top but, possibly because of this, it really brings through the fear that an utterly unpredictable violent nutcase can engender. You know the unease felt when a possibly violent drunk accosts you in town? The way you know that anything you say will be the wrong thing? The exasperation? It's here.

Adam Deacon, who graduated through Kidulthood and was seen last year in both Shank and 4.3.2.1., writes, directs and stars. It does seem that he's trying to corner the wannabe-gansta market, but the truth is that he does it fairly well and much of the message of this film is the futility of that pretence.

There are glaring problems. The terrible waste of Doon Mackichan and Alex MacQueen who pitch up for one entirely inconsequential scene may be a "look who we got to do that!" gag but only left me disappointed. And, while not the greatest Paul Kaye fan, it is rather odd that his appearance is over before his credit in the opening titles.

This isn't a great film but it's competently put together and shows promise.