Trevski This was an absolutely shocking surprise hit for me. I watched it last night and cannot believe that it passed me by for nigh on 9 years.From the outset I was belly laughing at it. The plot was completely surreal and I was amazed that the whole story of Harold was lapped up and accepted by people.This is one indie movie that needs to be bigger. Trainspotting was the benchmark for how a British movie should be made, but this one moved the bar. It has just completely trashed my "top 5" of movies and I cannot fault one part of the film. I just want to sit in front of my TV and watch it again and again.The cast was perfect. All characters were realistic, and it was just pure entertainment from start to end. I insist that you see it NOW!

Eve Sander In fact, the story is mostly about his younger son Vince (Michael Legge ) and hardly about Harold Smith (Tom Courtenay) at all. And it's only at the end that we can even understand why screen time is given to episodes in the father's life.In addition to Courtenay's endearing performance, veterans Stephen Fry and David Thewlis contribute the best of the comedic acting, in what is otherwise an aimless, meandering tale that did not need to be told.It's actually young Vince's story, and a wispy one at that: Boy meets girl, boy fails to impress girl, boy finally overcomes himself and wins her at last. This meager theme is padded with several subplots whose only function seems to be providing more situations for the bedevilment and humiliation of Vince and Harold.Early scenes establish – and succeeding scenes repeat – various comic (?) humiliations and embarrassments of both father and son. Though not of the grisly sort, these episodes are mean-spirited enough (on the part of the characters) to make an empathetic viewer vicariously uncomfortable. This is offset somewhat by the sweetness of Harold and of Vince's affection for him.*Possible spoiler in next paragraph* For most of the film I wondered why we are being told both men's stories. What is the connection? Near the end we finally find out. At a time of crisis, the mild-mannered dad, using his paranormal powers, intervenes to support his son in standing up for himself and his happiness.The story seems to be a parable, with the moral that one should stand up for one's individuality and not be pushed around by various kinds of bullies, including inadvertent ones. An admirable theme, but better scripted in other works, and an under-use of good talent here, in my opinion.Noticing this title on a used-video sales list, I first checked some IMDb viewer comments. On the strength of their praise I bought the video and was looking forward to being amused, bemused, charmed, and more. This shouldn't have been difficult, since I'm easily entertained and enjoy many kinds of humor (except those that seek to disgust, demean, damage or hurt). And I generally love British humor, not to mention offbeat fantasies and sci-fi.But (apart from Courtenay) nothing stellar to report here. Humorwise, I can't understand other reviewers' classing it in the same league as The Full Monty. No comparison, in my opinion! Monty had me in guffaws throughout; Harold only one short "ha!" of surprise and a few smiles. At the other end of the spectrum is that British specialty combination of droll absurdity and sweetness. As to this, Courtenay delivers, but it's overwhelmed by a greater amount of noisy straining at stale youth and romance bits. Some of Stephen Fry's odd minor character's pronouncements were insightfully absurd -- that is, excellent at capturing the absurdity of a certain type of individual -- but added up to a person I would much rather not be around –- or even watch on a screen.This is the first time I've posted a negative review. Normally I'm the less critical sort who gives the benefit of the doubt and extra points for good intentions. Sad to say, that was just too big a stretch for me this time. For me this was a very rare 6 out of 10.

bob_bear In contrast to some of the reviews I've read, I thought this film was a poor effort on every level.I grew up in the North of England in the 1970s - was one of the first punks in Sheffield (where I understand the film is set) - and I don't see any authenticity in it. Just a bunch of caricatures meandering through a faux 70s setting.The plot lines were dreary and unfocused and the resolution ridiculous. Two lackluster juvenile leads and the remaining talent chronically under used. It fails- as most British movies do - to actually look like a film. It looks cheap. It has televisual sensibilities - and budget TV at that. The disco sequences really rock - not. Hard to spread out fifteen extras to make a room seem full I know.All in all it is rubbish. And its no wonder it was a flop when originally released.

Alan Devine Despite some minor anachronisms (the film is supposedly set in 1977 but, at times, seems to bound between the 50s and 90s) this was a heartwarming and hilariously funny film. Like "The Full Monty" the film is Sheffield based but, in terms of belly aching humour, it excels even that movie. I can't say much more because to do so would probably produce spoilers but its well worth a visit.