Review of Cemetery Junction (2010) by Adam W — 30 Apr 2010
This is an affectionate, humorous and thoroughly likeable film - odd then that it comes partly from Ricky Gervais?
After a string of lacklustre, and fatally unfunny, Hollywood star vehicles, Gervais retreats, partially, behind the scenes with partner Steven Merchant, and the film is all the better for it.
It's not that I dont like Gervais, I do. I just prefer him in small doses and think that, well, he's just not that great an actor, is he? He's good at that one thing he can do, but nowt else.
What Gervais/Merchant can do, and do very well, is write dialogue. Sure, the characters are predominantly stereotypes without arc (save for Cookes central character who manages to be all love-struck teen, sensible straightman and rebel youth with ambition), but they are well written ones, and often the dialogue sparkles.
The acting is also top notch. The four kids are all value for money: Cooke has a slight bit of the Dean's to him, Jack Dolan is fun as the loveable dork, Snork, Felicity Jones makes her "object of affection" role seem more than the writing suggests and Tom Hughes gives a striking performance and stands out as one to watch for the future.
The adults don't let things down either, with the ever impressive Emily Watson playing down her part but illiciting all the sympathy she deserves, Ricky Gervais restricted to a handful of standout scenes (see, you're good when you're used sparingly) and a performance from Ralph Fiennes that is an absolute revelation. He's done nasty/sinister a lot now (Schindler, Potter, Titans) and even that of the comedic variety quite recently (In Bruge) but his marraige of aloof, middle-class contempt with deadpan spite is an absolute joy to watch. His speech at a retirement party is a coup of writing and acting perfection.
Gervais & Merchant definitely have their rose-coloured specs on and their feet nowhere near the comedy/dramatic throttle, but this is an utter pleasure to watch and an easy film to recommend.
It also has a belter of a soundtrack and the best Noddy joke going.
This review of Cemetery Junction (2010) was written by Adam W on 30 Apr 2010.
Cemetery Junction has generally received positive reviews.
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