Review of Submarine (2011) by Anurag S — 24 Jul 2012

I'm kinda all over the map with how I feel about this one. I like quirk, and I have found that once in a while I will enjoy awkward movies dealing with heartbreak and the awkwardness of adolescence and coming of age, but with this one, it really seemed like a mixed bag.

As I started to watch it, I pictured myself disliking it because it come off as forced, trying too hard, and being way too reminiscent of many other, often far better films. I had heard people say it took heavily from Wes Anderson, specifically Rushmore, and, while I could see that to a small extent, I was primarily reminded of Harold and Maude, mostly because of the overwhelming coldness and morosity of the leads. However, that movie was hilarious, subversive, and ultimately not that bleak at all.

This started to grow on me, and even though the characters aren't really all that likeable, I can't say I was really all that bored, even if I didn't find myself caring too much at times. Maybe the stylistic touches and cinematogrpahy had something to do with it. The film is maybe too obvious with its influences, but it does come around and become its own thing. That, and who says that all protagonists HAVE to be likeable and relatable? Ever see The Mosquito Coast? That's a great example of a terrific film with an absolutely loathsome lead character.

Okay, the plot: it's the classic story of a young kid named Oliver trying to find his place in the world who has his first real experience with love with a girl who is just as out there and awkward as him. I can't really call her the Manic Pixie Dream Girl archetype since she's more cold and not that perky, but she is kinda like WInslet's character from Eternal Sunshine, but as a young Welsh girl. All of this goes on while Oliver's parents's marriage might be ending.

The film is funny at times, but, and while I kinda like that it was downplayed with the laughs, it might be on the other side of quirky and whimsy as far as extremes go, meaning that it might not be light enough. Ultimately I did find myself happy for seeing the film, as I qas expecting it to be a complete ripoff, and it took a left and did the opposite. Yeah, I might not be totally happy with the direction it took, however, I appluad the film for not becoming totally predictable.

Craig Roberts is fine as Oliver, though he didn't blow me out of the water. That award goes to Yasmin Paige as Jordana, Oliver's love interest. She's a fascinating character, and, though I feel awkward about admitting this, she's actually really cute and adorable, and has this magnetic quality about her that makes her really desirable for some reason. If I were younger, she's the type of girl I might try to go for myself. We've also got these youngsters backed by some great odler supporters, namely Noah Taylor as Oliver's withdrawn dad and Paddy Considine as a self help guru and ex of Oliver's mom who starts to re-enter the picture.

All in all, I'm still mixed on the film. I do give it a small recommendation if you're in the mood for something different and want to see a colder take on this tried and true formula, but as far as specific grades go, I'd say strong 3 to no more than a very slight 3.5.