Brian and Charles

I was trying to kill some time and take a little break from a boring conference I was attending. There was multiplex cinema next door to conference center and the film "Brian and Charles" was playing there. I had no idea what the film was about but decided to go on impulse. Wow, I couldn't be more delighted with what I experienced. It is a charming film about a relationship between a man and a robot he invented. It is funny and heartwarming with wonderful performances and beautiful cinematography depicting the rugged land and stark beauty of Wales.

The humor in the film is subtle and refreshingly clever. The main characters are well developed and believable. In short if you need a little pick me up and a feel good experience I cannot recommend this little film enough.

In quirky Brit dramedy "Brian And Charles" oddball 'inventor' David Earl (of Brit tv fame) is lonely living outside a beautiful, rural, but somewhat rough Welsh village - so he builds a full-on AI robot (voiced by co-witer (with Earl) Chris Hayward) out of a washing machine, rubber gloves, a mannequin's head, etc (as you do). As the robot's intellect & character grows & evolves (like an accelerated child's) so does his relationship with Earl as he learns of love (via Louise Brealey), perilousness (via local bullies Jamie Michie, Nina Sosanya & kids) & dreams. It's an undeniably strange little movie that certainly won't appeal to all - but those who 'get' it's weirdness will love it.

Brian is alone and isolated, to overcome his loneliness, he builds a new robot, named Charles, like cake making he wanted a Victoria sponge, but instead got a blancmange.

I'll be honest, I watched the first five minutes, and I wasn't convinced, ready to switch it off, however, I decided to stick with it, and I'm so glad I did, I really am, and only wish I'd saved it.

Don't expect to learn much about why Brian has ended up in this situation, they don't actually go into it, all we get is what's on the surface, he's definitely a troubled Soul, the focus is more on his newly found sense of companionship, his unquestionable positivity.

It's funny, it's sad, it's quirky, it's like nothing else I've ever seen before. No special effects, no heavy music, it's low budget, but there in lies the charm, it is rewardingly heart warming, it works on so many levels.

I associate David Earl with two shows, two favourites of mine, Afterlife and Derek, you see just what a talented actor he is here, it's such a different, well measured performance, credit to him.

Just lovely.

8/10.

The film Brian and Charles has all the quintessential elements of a perfect friendship film. Director Jim Archer makes his feature debut in this quirky British comedy in which an eclectic cast does a spectacular job demonstrating the very real ebbs and flows of true companionship. Despite some significantly low moments in their friendship, including an explosive argument, Brian and Charles remind us that true friendship never dies; it only strengthens through adversity.

Brian and Charles' friendship has an unconventional origin. Brian (David Earl) is an isolated inventor in Wales who specializes in weird inventions. Despite his passion, his interventions often flop. Driven by depression and loneliness, Brian builds a robot using a washing machine and spare parts lying around his home. Charles is clunky yet charming. He is obsessed with cabbage, uses the dictionary to learn English, and loves socializing, dancing, and adventures.

In this film, Brian, played by David Earl, has finally invented the cure for his loneliness. What he doesn't anticipate is that Charles, played by Chris Hayward, is much more of a free spirit than he is. Despite their dance parties, pillow fights, and mutual love for cabbage, Charles deeply desires to see the world, while Charles is content with a quaint and straightforward life in Wales. One of my favorite parts of the film was watching Charles dance in a hula skirt and beg to go to Honolulu. Their competing wishes ultimately become the source of tension in their friendship. While the film centers on Brian and Charles, Louise Brealey's performance as Hazel, Brian's love interest, is worth mentioning. Their awkward yet sweet interactions between her and Brian give the film comedic relief.

Brian and Charles reminds us that sometimes "friend" is actually another word for family, and sometimes loving someone means letting them go. Brian and Charles' friendship survived heated disagreements, conflicting visions, and even a kidnapping. But, ultimately, they proved that the love would never fade no matter the distance between them.

I give Brian and Charles 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 9 to18, plus adults. Brian and Charles releases in theaters June 17, 2022.

By Hanadie K., KIDS FIRST!

If you like "Lars and the Real Girl" you'll love Brian and Charles.

Brian and Charles is a mockumentary about socially awkward hoarder and oddball inventory named Brian who builds a companion robot from a pile of junk.

He names his robot Charles who soon takes on a life of its own becoming more adventurous than his safe creator Brian.

Charles informs himself by reading the dictionary and becomes quite curious about the outside world -- the world beyond the borders of Brian's isolated Welsh quarters.

Charles craves adventure, unlike Brian who wants to live a boring and obscure life -- free from heartbreak and danger.

Brian's an endearing creature who collects junk which he uses to alter household appliances that he claims as new innovations -- totally oblivious that these contraptions are made worse.

This is a metaphor for how Brian sees himself and how he presents himself to this phantom documentary crew that's documenting his mundane life. Brian's a disheveled hermit, obtuse and discard, like a pile of junk that nobody wants. That's how Brian sees himself.

So he builds a better Brian from that pile of junk. A robot who's willing to experience life.

This is a heartwarming story about fear, loneliness and the importance of human connection.

I highly recommend this film.