A delightful, sentimental comedy.
Rating: 9/10
Running Time: 105 minutes
UK Certificate: 12a
The story of Paul Kerr (Craig Ferguson who also writes and directs), a fading 80s rock star, who spends all his time drinking and riding motorbikes. While under the influence of too much whisky he drives through a second floor window, ends up in hospital and back in all the newspapers, bringing people from the past into his life and turning it upside down.
So, Paul's been sectioned in the hospital after his supposedly suicidal action. Comedy ensues when a pretend wife arrives to take him home. An old flame Rebecca (Jemma Redgrave) also turns up, with a big surprise in tow, a daughter Olivia that he never knew he had (Charlotte Church). Throw in a subplot of Olivia trying to avoid joining the family business (her mother's hairdressers) to become a singer like her father and there's your story.
Ferguson gives a wonderfully natural and humorous performance as Kerr. Perhaps the funniest scenes in the film are set in the psychiatric ward, although this film is set in Wales, and lots of the humour comes from jokes around the accents. Not only does this film have an excellent script, the music is wonderful as well. The incredible voice of Charlotte Church is featured often; it is unfortunate that her acting talent is not in the same league.
This film is pure escapism, and is the best film I've seen so far this year. If you go to see any film, make sure it is this one!
It's Got: The beautiful voice of Charlotte Church.
It Needs: Absolutely nothing changed. Except maybe Miss Church could brush up on her acting skills.
Summary
Truly delightful.