Ricky Gervais is all I need to know to give something a shot. Anyone that has watched the UK version of The Office or Extras, both of which he wrote and starred in, will probably agree with that sentiment. Even last year’s mostly overlooked The Invention of Lying I thought was fantastic before it fell victim to the typical romantic comedy conventions.
His latest directorial and writing effort is Cemetery Junction. Set in 1970s England, it “tells the funny, touching and universal story of being trapped in a small town and dreaming of escape [where] three blue-collar friends spend their days joking, drinking, fighting and chasing girls.” It promises to be “glossy and glorious, full of humour, romance and drama, as well as our usual observations on the truth and absurdity of real life.”
It’ll be interesting to see Gervais write something like this, but stepping away from the spotlight. While he has his loyal following, he hasn’t exactly caught on in the mainstream stateside yet – the reasons for that can be debated – so maybe this will finally be a film of his that will capture the mainstream’s attention. I hope so. We’ll see.
this seems like a more appropriate use of his talents than the other two films (though I liked Invention of Lying overall)
That’s not what I expected coming from Gervais and Merchant. The lead does seem to be channeling Gervais’ character and there are a few Office/Extras style gags in there, but it does have quite a different feel to it. Lets hope they pull it off, the trailer doesn’t blow me away, but I’ve given up using trailers as a testing ground.
I’m glad Gervais isn’t the lead too, because I think he’s more talented as a writer than as a lead performer – he can get grating after a while and he’s not the strongest of actors.
I just came back from watching this. Expect a review once I get some free time (I’ve got another VHS marathon on the cards this weekend too!), but I just wanted to say that I thought it was pretty dire. Painfully labored and predictable.
That’s disappointing to hear, David. I was hoping this would turn out to be good.