Sam Sparks (Evans) is an amiable young rogue living in Liverpool with his mother Jill (Manville). When he discovers that family friend Vince (Hoskins) has a London flat to rent, he leaps at the chance to head for the big city. But Jill moves with him, hoping to make it as a singer. Menial jobs ensue, until Sam decides to sleep his way to success through a fling with PR agency owner Sheila (Channing). Then at a party, he meets the sparky Kate (Ryan), who's hiding rather an important bit of information. As is everyone.

Filmmakers Hunter and Hunsinger (The Lawless Heart) nicely balance the plot's complexities with strongly defined characters. Evans is especially entertaining, delivering an offhanded, thoroughly disarming performance (reminiscent of Ewan McGregor) that makes it easy for us to understand why he wins everyone over. And he has terrific chemistry with the always-wonderful Channing and Manville, as well as the enjoyably sardonic Ryan. Meanwhile, Hoskins surprises against-type as the sweetly love-struck Vince, while Head adds colour as Kate's lively uncle.

The film's cheery tone strains a bit under the weight of the complicated narrative, which is full of deep-dark secrets, impending confrontations and pointed coincidences. By the end, as the various other shoes begin to drop, it starts feeling a little melodramatic, with one hinted suggestion that constantly threatens to blacken the whole film (it never does, thankfully). And one character must face all of the whammies at once, but this actually adds a nicely serious edge.

In the end, the captivating characters and the intriguing journey they take grab us completely. Hunter and Hunsinger have a remarkable touch, refusing to hurry through the story, concentrating on the people and catching telling details along the way that draw us in and add strong resonance. This is a film about dealing with expectations, regrets and with love that's been lost or carelessly mishandled. It's great to find such meaty themes in a film this breezy and entertaining.

themes, language, sexuality

6.Mar.07