mel-pullen

I've watched the DVD twice this weekend and I think it is an excellent, light comedy. There's a dark subplot to act as counterpoint, and most actors have dark as well as light. Bruno, the manager and Luce, the drummer produce brilliant characterisations; high energy. Garage days shows nicely how, for most people, life doesn't turn out the way they hoped. It also shows, equally nicely, that most people learn to accept the way their life turns out. The director was brave to portray drugs in the way he does. He is also fleetingly and subtly negative about gambling. The commentary on the DVD is tantalising about the possible treatments. It also indicates the lengths the director has gone to for emotional appeal relating to the various actors. The plot is simple, but that's not the point of the film. It doesn't have overt gimmicks or special effects. There's no heart stopping shocks or car chases. It's a subtle, nicely portrayed love story. I'm sure this film will be enjoyed by many of the baby boomers, the people who (vaguely) remember the sixties.

I thought this film was wonderful, a slushy feel good film with classic Shakespearian sub-plots. What is most poignant is that it depicts a town that is disappearing in England. Films like this are social documents. If people don't act like this, then this is how we would like to have historians of the future remember us.

It's nice to have films about people and places that are not normally considered glamorous.

It's funny, thoughtful and a gentle story. No violence, no car chases, no sex. A bit of swearing, but that's part of normal language nowadays.

I loved the compère moving from his mayoral robes to night club glitter jacket through the competition. I loved the young ones falling in love. I loved the closure on the separation.

I'm sure some cinematographer could have done more with the visuals of the hair cutting but this was a narrative film. It had a story, and I will add it to my collection of British movies.