April

Not usually a genre that I would casually sit down to watch but am glad that I did! Whilst uncomfortable to watch at times this hard hitting feature from director and writer Darren King is a relatable story of how interwoven crime and child grooming in this case is into our modern society and with what ease it can destroy lives and relationships. No big cinematic events just everyday stories of young people who are enticed into an initial glamorised life of crime before the reality and pay back becomes searingly clear. Brilliantly cast and powerful performances throughout. A hard hitting and memorable film that will remain with you.

British gangster film that maybe tries too hard to tick every box but ends up like a teenage photo story - we see key points, but very little of the gradual slide we have to assume when someone's character is completely inverted. For one teenage girl not to notice that her best friend has become a drug-smuggling sex worker pulling in thousands of pounds stretches credibility.

Every tabloid horror story about teens drawn into crime is represented here: youngsters tempted by new trainers; recent recruits used to pull in new blood; grooming until victims are hooked, then brutality; money, flash cars, guns; abusive childhoods; vaguely middle-class targets; loan sharks; even a grifting bent copper.

It is not a bad film. There are some issues with sound recording; locations are a bit too genteel; the least convincing secondary school girls' toilet ever; but there are some good performances. The two leads, Myles and April, are convincing, with Kiera Lane (I think) outstanding in what appears to be her debut. The director features as a gang member whose role is unclear but whose malevolence is beyond doubt.

The last act is confused - perhaps deliberately - by the timeline jumping back and forwards. I understand why, but it didn't work for me. Overall, though, a solid effort that could be tweaked to make a genuinely good film.

April seems to be the beginning of a great career for Darren King. Not to anyone's surprise he does this with what he has been so potent with throughout his career; a British gangster film. If you've had any experience with King's movies you know exactly what you're getting into here, a topical thriller. This of course may seem problematic, in King's case it is not.

The writing and dialog are fast paced and quite entertaining to watch. The movie as a whole maybe be a bit of a head scratcher here and there but the pay off is good and the idea is a bit of a parody of itself which is what makes this film so fun.

What King accomplishes though, in the same way he has with his past successful productions is putting together an extremely diverse and yet correlating cast. This starts with the lead man in Neil Ward whose notoriety has steadily risen largely through his performances of caricatures (not an insult). With April, Ward seems to have found a role perfect for his appeal and charm he brings to the screen. This is largely because of a good script and great, fun performances all around.

Then of course there is Kiera Lane as April who until this year was largely a total unknown. While Neil Ward may have found a genre he is most strongly suited for, Kiera Lane could certainly use this as a great start to launch to the very least a respectable acting career. Her posture, range and ability to change tone and style subtly is something that should be and surely will be recognized.

Really didn't enjoy watching this. It's a film that thinks it has a powerful message, but not worth watching. The cast were all played awful, probably not helped by a sullen and boring script, their own stories are badly written, it makes you wish Amazon would review their policies on allowing tripe to be on their service.

Any chance of a refund...

Really enjoyed watching this. It's A film with a powerful message for everyone. Definitely worth watching. The cast were all played very well, their own stories are well written, it makes you want to follow them.