I Used to Be Famous

A down on his luck former boy band singer is struggling to get even a pub gig or actually finish a song he's writing until when busking one day he his joined by an autistic drummer and they feel an affinity for each other. You might think at this point that it's going to be another twee and condascending film about people wth special needs but the story has depth and deals with the problems both the lead characters face with realism and a believable story structure. I don't want to put any spoilers in so it's difficult to explain the twists in the film without giving too much away. Suffice to say it is a heartwarming film and well worth a watch. The character of Stevie is played by Leo Long who, in real life is a neurodiverse person.

Nicely acted with solid, if not exceptional, performances all round, in essence this is a simple, human story of friendship, hope and redemption set in and around the wonderfully diverse Peckham, South London. Focusing on the relationship between an ex boy band musician trying to reignite the past and an autistic boy drummer drifting into adulthood, there is a lot of tugging at the heart strings here and it only just about manages to stay on the right side of overdoing the sentimentality. Having said all that, what the story may lack in subtlety and poise, it more than compensates with heart and soul. Rather good.

If you're cynical you could criticise this film for being cliché and predictable, but if you're looking for a film with a bit of heart, hope, and a happy ending, you can't go wrong with this. It's a very simple story that relies on you simply enjoying the ride. A huge chunk of the film is original music; one sequence has 3 songs in a row which was a brave choice but it worked. I'd rather watch something like this than some of the big-budget rubbish Netflix has produced. I'm also surprised at the 15 rating, there were just a couple of swear words but nothing else that would warrant a restriction, so it could be enjoyed by all ages.

This is 100% the cheesiest movie of 2022 and you will love it.

Soundtrack is awesome Who really cares about the acting and yes it could be shorter but it's a pooper sad happy movie.

So many things they could have done to make the movie better and the backstory has too many holes in it to even try and think about.

You are either in or you're out and I'm sure people will give it a low rating off the back of the above and talk about people with autism however the movie is not based on that, it's really about finding some happiness in friendship.

Glad we watched it, I hope you do too.

Did I mention the OST!

Enjoy.

This was a good film, with some nice moments which made you feel good.

I gave it 7 because every film/TV show at the moment is either just depressing/graphic or has to have an ironic bitter sweet ending for the sake of being "edgy" or "ground breaking".

This film was different because it dropped the need to avoid any cliche's and instead steer into them and the result is a film you can sit and watch, while laughing at a few digs at 90's boy band groups, before walking away feeling a little happier as a result.

Netflix produced another gem here and I applaud them for using the UK as the backdrop of this story, In particular London's vibrant music culture which is something that is often overlooked.