Review of Cemetery Junction (2010) by Mark J — 07 May 2010

Although Ricky Gervais has starred in several films & directed The Invention of Lying, this is his first film with 'The Office' co-writer Stephen Merchant. Which could explain why this is his best film to date. Cemetery Junction is a feelgood comedy drama which attempts to tread the line between 'Bless this House' & your average British kitchen sink drama. And it does it rather well.

Set in the 1970s the film successfully manages to be nostalgic without being too kitsch, yet also provides enough realism to make this more of a drama than a comedy. Just don't expect any belly laughs. It's a coming of age story featuring three friends all trying to break out of their humdrum lives with fairly predictable consequences. Freddie Taylor (Christian Cooke) is the young man who wants to leave the factory and build a new career by selling insurance. This puts him into contact with the bosses's daughter - an old crush - Julie (Felicity Jones) who opens his eyes to the wider world and the possibilities of travelling beyond Cemetery Junction...

It's hard to find anything original in this film, but it's all done with great warmth and the young cast are superb. Despite being rigidly formulaic, with no surprises and a predictable ending, it still manages to be an engaging and enjoyable film. I'd put that down to the period details & excellent characterisation, though this is a comdey that will have you smiling rather than laughing.