Hard Shoulder

I had the pleasure of attending a private screening of Hard Shoulder through a friend.

I wasn't sure what to expect from the director Nicholas David Lean's film debut, but I was very glad I got to watch it.

When the Hard Shoulder starts out you're not sure what to expect, another film about an unhappy family? No. This is after all a psychological thriller. After setting the scene of a unhappy family trying to hold things together, the film gradually builds up the tension and takes a very dark, disturbing and violent turn. Then just when you think you have a grasp of what's going on there is a brilliantly unexpected twist.

There is some great acting turns in the film from the likes of Lucy Drive, and Jamie Foreman. Jamie now better known as Derek Branning from Eastenders.

I'm not sure when this film is out on general release, but if you get the chance, go see it!

Why so many people have criticised this film so negatively Is a mystery to me. OK, so there's no Monsters or Demons, neither Is their any slashing & gore (well, not much!). This film belongs In the psychological & surreal section of the horror genre and so, understandably, may very well be disappointing to the general Horror fan. But we have to apply some deep thinking to fully get to grips with this film - It really Is a well-written script which needs to be deconstructed and considered carefully , In order to fully understand the intricacies of the story.

Considering a budget of just £250,000 (when Tens or Hundreds of Millions are the norm by todays standards), many of the disparaging comments are inconsiderate and unfair - you can only work with the tools you've got and I firmly believe, when all Is considered, that some people haven't given this film the recognition It deserves.

That said, these are only my personal opinions and I know that some people out there will want to slap this silly old sod - but I stand by what I say. Sorry, guys!

BASIC SYNOPSIS :- Mother, Stepfather and their two kids (Boy-and-girl teens) set off on a short trip, presumably In an attempt to settle the differences which have been leading 'Mum and Dad' towards the end of the relationship. Their car veers off the roadway when a bunch of Inbred Travellers ("Carnies") use their van to cause the family car to crash and then kidnap them. The unconscious family awaken to find themselves chained by their arms to the ceiling of an abandoned Diner within a dark, dystopic and dilapidated Fairground.

Both written and directed by the talented Nicholas David Lean, this film Is one which perhaps needs a further viewing to fully get to grips with what's at the centre of the story. But such Is the cryptic nature of films like this.

I won't give out any direct spoilers - as you'll no doubt be aware, they're not called "spoilers" for nothing, and often completely ruin your enjoyment of a film or video! Enjoy, friends!

It is my pleasure to recommend this very dark, chilling, psychological thriller with a difference. I was very fortunate to be invited to a private screening of 'Hard Shoulder' by a good friend. The film starts off with a bang and then slowly lulls you into a false sense of reality before taking you by the scruff of the neck and dragging you and it's fine cast into a chilling and very scary scenario. There are fine performances from all the actors on screen with 'Jamie Foreman' etching himself into your memory and for those who have fond memories of 'Jill Greenacre' from 'The Brittas Empire', this is a defining role in her career. A film of substance with a story line which will play on my mind for quite some time I think. I am looking forward and expect to see much more from this very talented director 'Nicholas David Lean'. The film I believe is not yet on general release. The sooner it gets out there and is seen the better.

We are often reminded that we have have the best film technicians here in the UK and indeed we have a solid movie history but so often we have trouble marrying that expertise with well produced movies. And this is a prime example. This was looking dire from the outset with the woefully amateur acting but I thought I'd stay with it until the end but it turned out to be clichéd, unimaginative drivel. It's just a complete embarrassment from start to finish and apart from Jamie Foreman I did not recognise anyone else in this mess so maybe the rest of the ensemble were hired on the cheap to play the Hillbillies? Do we have Hillbillies in the UK? Anyway, don't waste your time.

well where do i start, Jamie Foreman from east enders is in it so it could be good, well i'm afraid it is not as good as i thought.i was expecting a lot more from this film. it was not bad, but really i was hoping for something far better. it was like nothing i have seen before,it started of with promise and then sort of went downhill from there the plot seemed OK at first, but it in my opinion went sort of off track it wasn't what i expected, the acting was good and there is a surprise to the ending which made me think what have i just wasted my time on this film? would i recommend you watch it no i wouldn't but make your own mind up. i was disappointed 4 out of 10.