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Visitors Review

pathos2005-1 2012-05-21 17:41:29

Pleasant Surprise

Though I knew Ricky Gervais and Steve merchant directed it, I had noprior expectations about this movie. I did not know what it was aboutnor did i read any reviews before watching. Trust me, that is the bestway to watch Cemetery Junction. Don't listen to the reviews of jadedfilm critics who over-analyze and complain about other movies beingsimilar. This is a movie that make you feel good without explicitlybeing a feel-good movie. I came out feeling nostalgic for 70s Britainthough I grew up in 90s USA. The dialog is witty, smart, often funnyand sometimes touching. It deftly touches on themes of loss, regret,friendship, love, and following one's dreams. This is my favoriteBritish film in quite some time. You will not regret watching thismovie.

2012-05-21 05:56:32

The way more movies should be...

Loved that Cemetery Junction was NO GIMICKS necessary (like most movies nowadays.), just a refreshingly great cast and 100% genuine acting. LOVED it.

Peter Bradshaw 2012-05-19 07:47:32

It is entertaining as far as it goes, but it would have to be fully and Gervaisishly funny, or else fully nasty, vinegary and sad before everyone involved was, to coin a phrase, up the junction.

Matt Risley 2012-05-18 20:25:15

Gervais has crafted a comedy drama like the ones that led people to love him in the first place: relatable, heart-warming, and genuinely very very funny.

Alley_Almonds 2012-05-17 04:08:25

Gervais out of his depth

Clichéd, pretentious, deeply unfunny and shallow. Cemetery Junctionmakes The Invention of Lying seem like Citizen Kane.The film lacks soul, laughs, originality, an engaging story and aninteresting plot. There is so little going for it that I regret beingforced into awarding it even one star.There are some incredible talents making original British comedies,Gervais and Merchant simply lack the wit, humour and creativity to beconsidered among them.There may be some value in watching this in a 'so bad it's good' way,but if you're after a quirky British comedy, avoid Cemetery Junction,for it merely aspires to be either quirky or a comedy.

andidektor 2012-05-16 10:00:57

Inconsequential twaddle

This film isn't funny. It's just not. And without the excuse of comedy,it's simply lame. In the September issue of The Word, Andrew Harrison,discussing the way popular culture eats itself, describes yesterday'scutting edge as "...impossibly tame and in fact cloyingly wholesome,the components of Heartbeat."And that's exactly this movie. Bland nostalgia, the trappings ofkitchen sink reality and none of its truth. Twee love wins out and thelovers eventually escape the deadening boredom of their hometownexistence (which isn't so bad really, so their ambitions are fuzzy andvague). Nothing we haven't seen before, and no drama to make itinteresting.Cemetery Junction is just an episode of Heartbeat - the easy view,rose-tinted version of a bygone era churned out in inoffensive weeklyinstallments for a family audience who want reassurance rather thaninsight.A few laughs would have made it bearable. Pity that Gervais andMerchant should squander their opportunities on inconsequential twaddlelike this.

Rich Cline 2012-05-15 22:12:30

There's a strong autobiographical tone to this British period drama, and the cast is very good. But by never focussing the story in a meaningful way, the film pales in comparison to its nearest predecessor, An Education.

2012-05-15 16:15:17

Nice

This is a rather charming coming of age movie charting the escapades of three loveable rogues, The Nerd, Bad-boy and the Buffoon. The 1970's are wonderfully recreated here, and reminds me somewhat of my youth, its well acted and keeps an slight emotional pull and a constant flow of smiles and chuckles rather than huge laughs. Its.. well, its just very well acted, made and written, without pulling up any trees, its just .. nice. I have no idea how this will translate to American audiences, but erm, did I mention its nice-ness

jamesgill-1 2012-05-06 20:44:12

Gervais brings big screen budget to small town Britain

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's nostalgic comedy drama of 1970sBritain has its heart in the right place. OK, there is nothingstrikingly original here – think 'The Likely Lads' meets American buddymovie spliced with stock Gervais stand-up material – but the craft ofthis movie lies not in breaking boundaries. Instead, it offers itsaudience a chance to feel the warm cosiness of familiarity. The film charts the hopes and dreams of three friends as they seek tobreak out of a small, stagnating community before they end up trappedin the same dead-end lives of their parents. Their loyalty to eachother forms the heart of the story, even as they come to realise thattheir aspirations will inevitably lead them in different directions.The motivation for their friendship relies on a genuine apprehensionthat there may be no escape from the stifling 50s attitude thatpervades their community. This is, as they so wryly remark, a town thatthe Swinging Sixties passed by.The characters work well together – there's an engaging chemistrybetween the three relatively unknown actors. Christian Cooke playsFreddie Taylor, the boy with a job with an insurance company, hoping toleave behind the factory work of his father. Tom Hughes is excellent asthe angry, rebellious Bruce, appalled by his dad's lack of spirit yetall too aware of his own grim prospects. The trio is completed by JackDoolan as 'Snork', the hapless station announcer looking up to theflair of his closest friends. The three leads are ably supported by acast that includes Ralph Fiennes and Emily Watson, as well as somefamiliar faces from the Gervais and Merchant back catalogue. A prizefor anyone who spots Karl Pilkington's fetching moustache…Whilst there are moments where the dialogue appears more than a littlestilted, for the most part the action fizzes nicely between the threecharacters. He may only have a small role within the actual film, butGervais' voice is clearly audible whenever there is an intelligentput-down or a comic observation. At times this intrudes on theauthenticity of the characters, but generally the dialogue allows for aneat separation between Gervais' inclination towards biting comicscrutiny, and his more tempered capacity for gentle human interaction.Including a jukebox medley of a soundtrack that includes 70s classicsfrom, among others, David Bowie and T-Rex, the film has that reflectiverose-tinted-spectacle feel that has become so familiar to us inAmerican films, but is far less common with the British cinemaindustry. Perhaps it's the weighty budget behind this film that sets itapart from other recent British period pieces. Perhaps it's the abilityof the directors to throw off their typical British scepticism andcapture that sense of breezy reminiscence. Whatever the answer, this is, for me, far more of an "American" filmthan movies such as 'Trainspotting', 'The Full Monty', or 'This IsEngland'. However, there is enough self-conscious humour and knowingsideways glances to make us realise that this is still a British filmby a pair of British writers who, in 'The Office', gave us the bestportrayal of British society for the new millennium. Gervais andMerchant have confirmed in this film that they are just about capableof making that dangerous leap from television to cinema. There ishopefully more to come, but 'Cemetery Junction' shows that theirtongue-in-cheek blend of laughter and tears isn't likely to end with'The Office' and 'Extras'.James Gill Twitter @jg8608 Find more reviews athttp://web.me.com/gilljames/Single_Admission

Dan76uk 2012-05-06 06:05:03

Classy little Brit Flick

I was really disappointed that this film was not more successful at thebox office. But, that has happened to many excellent movies in the pastand will again in the future.The leads are all charismatic and you believe in their friendship. Thesupporting cast is first rate, with experienced performers like RalphFiennes, Matthew Goode and Anne Reid all having their moments. Standingout though are Steve Spiers as the friendly, local policeman and EmilyWatson who conveys so much feeling with so little dialogue.Cemetery Junction has all the emotional heart that Gervais and Merchantdisplayed in 'The Office' and 'Extras', particularly in the closingepisodes of each.In short, it's funny, moving, well acted, beautifully shot, has a greatsoundtrack, and deserves to be seen.

Catherine Jones 2012-04-28 02:14:59

The plot ambles and Gervais and Merchant can't resist neatly tying up every loose end in a manner which strains credibility. Their dramatic crescendo is a mother pouring a cup of tea.

radiopearl 2012-04-27 20:32:05

Well Done

I give it a 8 because I like Merchant and Gervais so much. This moviehas a lot of heart. It is somewhat predictable and not entirelyoriginal, but it has heart. In my opinion it's an 8 or higher. Thereare not many movies like this anymore. The acting was well done, and itwas filmed very tastefully..The movie stayed with me. They createdcharacters that I cared about. I felt it was a bit short and would havebenefited from a bit more time..if you are even more characterdevelopment. Enjoyed the movie and would recommend it to any MerchantGervais Fan. Check it out for yourself

2012-04-27 04:20:53

Excellent

This review is from: Cemetery Junction (Amazon Instant Video) We have all seen this story before, but the storytelling is so fluid, it's like sitting in a warm bath. Brilliant performances by all the cast and remarkable post production. I plan on buying this movie and enjoying for years to come.

symonm 2012-04-27 03:14:42

Gervais and Merchant's best film work yet

I'm always surprised when a film I'd heard had mixed reviews at best,turns out to be so much better than I was expecting and CemeteryJunction is a great example of this.It's an old fashioned feel good movie. Sure it's maybe a little twee inplaces and ties things up nicely at the end but what's wrong with thatsometimes? Great casting with superb performances from the central fewcharacters and again a stunning turn from Ralph Fiennes. How good anactor is that guy? Poignant, touching, both gently and laugh out loudfunny in places, a great character driven plot and just very very goodfilm making IMO. Great use of music too, which like Tarantino moviesalways adds massively to the overall appeal.Can't recommend it enough. Gervais and Merchant should be very proud ofthemselves and I hope they're aware that this is a much better filmthan the box office takings would suggest.Similar film styles would be East is East, Sideways and maybe, Letterto Brezhnev. If you liked those, watch this. You'll love it.

yowasupitsme 2012-04-25 09:52:44

One of the best movie i've seen in ages.

if you're looking for an entertaining, fun movie with heart and soul this movie is the movie for you. Everyone, and i mean everyone will enjoy this movie. The girls will like it because its got romantic parts. The guy will like it because there is a bad ass Fonsey type character whose always getting into fights. And the family and kids will like it because it funny, heart warming and touching. I can not say enough about the movie. You gotta see. unlike big bugget speical effect movies that leave you empty in the end, this movie leave a lasting impression.again, a must see. Buy the DVD or Rent it.

laymonite-2 2012-04-24 23:11:28

Disappointed.

A bunch of 3 lads with nothing apparently in common, no past explainedand no explanation of why they are friends at all? are portrayed for alittle while in the 70's. One looks like a male hair-flicky model andis squeaky clean (our protagonist). One looks like a bad photofit andis a disgusting thug. One looks and acts literally mentally retarded,so I assume is.While I really like Gervais and Merchant's previous 'hits' and enjoyedGervais in this film (essentially playing a dream retro-70's sitcomrole) I was disappointed and thought the whole thing overrated.None of the characters were either believable or likable. Let merephrase that, the only remotely likable characters were completelyunbelievable, most were repulsive (and unrealistic). From the repulsivethug friend to the repulsive and ridiculous moron friend.The only laughs I had were the absurd joke about the tattoo (the firsttime they trotted it out) and Gervais' interaction with the '70'ssitcom style family.The whole film and idea, such as it was, is the kind of thing they tendto put on TV occasionally on Sunday evenings (minus the swearing) as anextended one-off, or several part TV 'drama/comedy', where it mighthave worked better (I don't think the "C*nt" joke would be a greatloss).I've lost count of the number of these shown on British Sunday eveningTV about a bunch lads growing up in the 50's/60's/70's/80's, most werebetter though in every way, not least having some believable or likablemain characters...

ajs-10 2012-04-18 19:46:35

Good... but a bit Hit-&-Miss...

Many people remember Ricky Gervais for his work on the TV show 'TheOffice'. He also has a few movie roles under his belt. Now, I wasn't afan of 'The Office', but I did like the series he did called 'Extras'which also featured Steven Merchant. Why am I telling you this, you mayask, well, I watched this in the hope it would be a little more like'Extras' than 'The Office'… Fortunately it is. Unfortunately, althoughit's good, it's not all that great either. I'll explain more after thisbrief summary (summary haters, and those that don't wish to know aboutthe plot, please pack you bags while I write the next paragraph).Three friends, Freddie Taylor, Bruce Pearson and Snork (real nameDave), all live in a small village outside Reading called CemeteryJunction. Freddie has just got a job as an insurance salesman, he liveswith his parents and his grandmother. Bruce works in a factory withFreddie's father and lives with his dad. His mother having left when hewas young and he is always getting into fights and ending up in thePolice cells. Snork, well, we're not told too much about Snork, apartfrom the fact that he's a bit stupid and he works at the railwaystation. Freddie's boss, Mr Kendrick, has a daughter, Julie, who isengaged to Freddie's co-worker, Mike Ramsay. They went to schooltogether many years ago and still have a bit of a rapport together. Thestory revolves around these characters and their ambitions, for onereason or another, to get out of the place they are in. Will they allmake it? Or is there something, or someone, to keep them in CemeteryJunction? Guess I had better not say any more or I'll be banged up inthe cells with Bruce by the Spoiler Police.Decent performances all round, although nobody was really stretched.Christian Cooke was OK as Freddie Taylor, Tom Hughes did a good job asthe brooding Bruce Pearson and Jack Doolan provided the comic relief asSnork. Ralph Fiennes as Mr. Kendrick, Ricky Gervais as Mr. Taylor andFelicity Jones as Julie were all OK without being stretched too much.There were two notable performances though (IMO); I thought both EmilyWatson as the downtrodden Mrs Kendrick and Steve Speirs as Sgt. WynDavies both did an excellent job.I found the film, as a whole, a bit hit and miss. There were hints ofthe excellence shown in the writing of 'Extras', but it never reallyquite developed in the way I was expecting. It is set in the 1970's andthe moods, styles and the attitudes of the time are very wellportrayed. Also the music is great with many hits from the periodfeaturing. At the end of the day I guess it's worth a look if you liked'Extras', but if you're an avid fan of 'The Office' maybe give this onea miss.My Score: 6.3/10

Gordon-11 2012-04-18 11:57:44

This is not a comedy, be warned.

This film is about a teenager from a deprived part of Britain in1970's, who decided to live a different life and was determined toclimb up the social ladder.I was expecting "Cemetery Junction" to be a comedy as it is a RickyGervais film, so I thought the first half was an absolute train wreck.The jokes were in the form of endless insults to other people, whichwas not funny. Worse still, there was no discernible plot apart fromthree teenagers mucking about. The first half of the film is so dulland depressing! I should have known it was not a comedy, as RickyGervais is not in the lead but has a small supporting role as one ofthe teenager's father.Once I realised the film was a drama instead of a comedy, I appreciatedthe film a little more. When the teenagers finding their calling, theplot starts to be engaging. However, I have already lost all interest.If "Cemetery Junction" was marketed as a drama, it could have moresuccess.

Simon Miraudo 2012-04-15 14:03:10

Gervais and Merchant's previous projects mastered the tightrope walk between comic cruelty and earnest drama. With Cemetery Junction, they waver wildly, unveiling some of their ugliest jokes and most saccharine emotional moments to date.

Peter Canavese 2012-04-15 06:01:46

A humble riff on the well-worn coming-of-age film. [Blu-ray]