Review of Cemetery Junction (2010) by David N — 05 May 2010

A tremendous improvement on the irritatingly wasted opportunity that was his directorial debut, Gervais' sophomore big screen outing - and, crucially, his first with Merchant - is still by no means the groundbreaking feat many may hope for.

But if you know where the duo's hearts and comedic interests are, you won't leave this fondly painted retrospective of 1970s Reading feeling disappointed. Their basic Hollywood-sheened underdog story may strike some as bafflingly unoriginal considering their previous work, and their attempts to balance their own observational comic niche with hard-hitting moments may seem surface-level and contrived to those used to the austerity of "proper" period pieces and gritty kitchen-sink dramas.

But in actuality, as with their superlative sitcoms, all the film's characters are so well-drawn, well-performed and believable that it both elevates and betrays the aforesaid sheen and becomes something legitimately inventive in a way only they have proved capable of.

I would never have believed someone of Emily Watson's grace and subtlety could slot into the Gervais/Merchant world so easily, but as you watch her silently pour a cup of tea and feel your heart ache slightly, you barely remember she was told to do so by David Brent and the Oggmonster.

The leads, apart from being far too pretty really, are all very lucky to have been launched on the world from this particular pad, and they give their roles all the youthful gusto they need to secure at least one blockbuster franchise, whilst giving them something genuinely authentic and credible to look back on whatever happens under the big sign.

Ricky and Steve have limitless potential - for now they're at least heading the right way.