Review of Submarine (2011) by Jamie P — 25 Feb 2012

Submarine is a strange, stylish, imperfect and very very British teen comedy, which surprises with its dramatic content, solid directional efforts and awesomely cute performances. Its unusual, but funny narrative about well-known teen matters ensure that the audience is kept engaged in this unorthodox movie.

Two are the major pillars of this movie. The main character Craig Roberts and the newcomer director Richard Ayoade. The story is not something untold or unique, but the way it is presented turns this movie into a relatively pleasant surprise. Director Richard Ayoade has chosen for a 70's British setting, quirky actors and dialogues. What would probably strikes the audience most is his choice of actors and character - no heroes, no "lived happily ever after" and characters far from being Hollywood-beautiful.

The second pillar is the one-man show of Craig Roberts. His story, told while coming-of-age, saving his parents marriage and losing his virginity is a bit quirky, but at the same time his performance could be defined as a very delicate and dark one.Still, positive words should also be said about Noah Taylor and Sally Hawkins (Robert's parents), whose dysfunctional marriage is performed to a stunning perfection.

With regard to pacing, Submarine fails to maintain its initial starting pace and towards the second half loses a bit of momentum, as well as its sharpness. If one is by that time not captured by Ayoade's direction or Roberts performance, there is a high chance that he or she would be partially bored.

Submarine is definitely a movie worth to be seen,especially if one is searching for something unusual in terms of direction and performances. As a story it could have been better, darker and even funnier. Still the major conclusion about it is that Richard Ayoade and Craig Roberts are to be followed closely in the future- their talents are undeniable.