Review of Cemetery Junction (2010) by Julian F — 26 Sep 2010

Sold as a Gervais and Merchant film that was more of a 'drama than comedy' about three friends with small town blues in the 70s might sound like an uninspiring idea if you're a fan of The Office or Extras. It also might sound like a bit of a tired plot, a boy tiring desperately to encourage his friends to explore the world instead of following in the footsteps of their fathers and becoming factory workers and alcoholics.

The story isn't particularly fresh but Gervais and Merchant's take on it is for it feels in no way contrived and any cliches are given new life.

This can be credited to the performances from the three lead actors who play the group of friends. Newcomers who have clearly been passionate about their roles and able to relate to the common themes of repression from your parents, being stuck in a monotonous life and traping yourself.

What did come as a surprise is that the film described as a drama was actually quite funny. The characters are colourful with a small role from Gervais playing the hero's old-fashioned father as well as cameos from Merchant and also one for fans of Garth Marenghi's Dark Place.

Cemetery Junction may not be a groundbreaking film but it is a lot of fun, its warm and it has a great heart. Check it out.