Review of The Riot Club (2014) by Phil P — 23 Sep 2014

"I'm sick to death of poor people!".

It's not difficult to dislike even despise politicians, often looking out for their sole interests - and sod anyone else. Living in the UK and with the current crop we have the latter of the two description would be more apt. This film based on a book based on a real exclusive club in Oxford known as 'The Bullingdon Club'. The real club has had a number of 'politicians' that are currently running the UK as we speak.

Now you might be thinking what does that have to do with this film? Sure the above comparison but this is just based on so probably far removed from the truth. Well Yes I agree with that but I brought this up because while this may be based on I'm sure this isn't far from the truth. Following specifically two new inductees at Oxford 'Miles' and 'Alistair' as they enter the most exclusive club at the university 'The Riot Club'. While the film managed to make me dislike the sordid bunch of ass-holes its seemingly devoid of story. The fickle start to the film with the creation of the club promises something more than what's delivered.

I guess the idea is to go along with the two new inductees as they and we gain an understanding of the club. But beyond learning exactly what the riot club is about it doesn't go anywhere. We do learn that the club is exclusive and generally for the rich who want to destroy, fuck and generally do anything they can. But when the party begins halfway through the film it becomes a series of scenes of obnoxious youths and their cardboard view of the world. Despite my personal problems with the film it's a film that revels in hating these people, things only amp up. Resulting in 'Miles' becoming the sympathetic figure and 'Alistair' getting lost in the anarchy and in the end bringing the club to its knees. I do have to admit I enjoyed hating these people and in particular 'Alistair's gloriously horrible rant about poor people.

'The Riot Club' is a great ride, despicable people who are in a position of power and can get away with it without anyone knowing. A shot at the current government and it's approach. However its story stops at points and becomes a cluster of ass holes being ass holes thankfully it pull sit back together towards the end. Acted excellently throughout and never boring.