Joe and Baggy (Riley and Burke) are film students in southeast London, fed up with their timid professor (Crook)--so they decide to make their own feature. They get funding from lowlife producer Doug (Marsan) by promising to sex-up their script and to lure top pornstar Candy Fiveways (Electra) to play the lead character. They somehow manage this, and to save money they shoot the film in Joe's house while his clueless parents (Jackson and Montagu) are at work. But Doug is not a patient man, and he's being pressured by an even bigger sleazeball (Standing).

While this film isn't going to win awards, or even cult classic status, there are several reasons why it's perfectly watchable rubbish. Riley and Burke are disarming heroes: funny without ever becoming cartoonish, smart enough to almost believe as aspiring film moguls, and charming enough to like right through the corny story. Electra hasn't been cast for her acting ability, but she certainly has presence to spare. And Ryan (as Joe's producing partner) balances the bimbo factor with brains and genuine attractiveness.

Yes, the plot is deeply unlikely, with its contrived emotions, forced romance and improbable artistic ambitions. And honestly, could two nerds ever lure a world-famous sex siren to appear in a homemade student movie? But director Surjik maintains an inspired ramshackle tone that avoids that even more artificial Hollywood sheen and actually understates the wackiness. As a result, it's more identifiable and enjoyable, even if it also means that some of the set pieces don't work at all. Although perhaps it's better when the gross-out gags fall flat, as it were.

Sometimes a groan-inducing comedy is exactly what we're looking for. And this British American Pie wannabe is better than most. Even if we hate the film, we'll love the terrific scene-stealing performances from Marsan and Crook, playing perfectly against type as a jittery brute and slithery cinephile, respectively. But please don't make a sequel.

themes, language, sexuality

9.Feb.07