Film #17 - A Town Called Panic (2010)

Have you ever seen the cravendale adverts on TV and thought 'Wow, they need to make a film of this only in French'? Neither have I, but we really should of been because this film is brilliantly good fun. Starring Cowboy, Indian and Horse this film is not only very funny but also, makes almost no sense at all. Trust me, that is a good thing with this film so don't try and follow the story, just sit back and enjoy the brilliant writing.

For a film that looks child appropriate, I can definitely say this isn't aimed at children. Why? First of all, it's in French with English subtitles. Second of all, the humour style is definitely aimed at the older audiences and the humour is on the whole delightful. I don't really have much else to say about this, but then again that may be because it's only about 70 minutes long and doesn't even make any sense for half of that time. The bottom line is just go and watch it, take one hour or so out of your life to experience this unique piece of cinema. You may as well, we both know it's better than just staring blankly at BBC News 24 for an hour.

8/10

Film #7 - Cemetery Junction (2010)

It's taken me a while to get round to watching this, I'll admit I was avoiding it. But can you blame me? Ricky Gervais' first two attempts at breaking into films (Ghost Town and The Invention Of Lying) were average, easily forgotten films. Cemetery Junction is a very different beast with Ricky Gervais and his usual writing partner Stephen Merchant taking a far more preferable role behind the keyboard and the camera. Showcasing their writing talents and instead throwing the acting spotlight on far younger blood was a smart move which has helped make a surprisingly good coming of age film.

I'm not usually one for coming of age films, they're predictable, the characters are walking cliché's and the plot's are big non events. In many ways, that also sums up this film. It won't ever surprise you in it's direction, the character's aren't too original and not a lot really happens. But it's the beauty of it's execution that makes this film such a bright light in it's genre. All three of the lead character's are genuinely likable and it's a joy to see them all go through their story arcs and develop as people while Ralph Fiennes continue's his consistency with a well turned in performance as the cold boss of an insurance policy company. If you're looking for a warm, enjoyable and pleasantly short film (clocking in at little over 90 minutes) then this is a strong candidate and a promising start to Gervais' and Merchant's film writing talents.

8/10