Milk

An intriguing, amiable black comedy with a host of familiar faces which looks like it's set in the same off kilter world as Four Weddings and a Funeral and The Vicar of Dibley. In fact the film-maker seem to have examined the work of Richard Curtis so closely, you might think he had written the script. James Fleet (from Four Weddings) plays the 45-year-old mothers' boy who's not quite all there. When his mum dies, he doesn't quite rush to get her buried and thinks nothing of firing on her best friend (little wonder as she had just tried to steal the deceased's favourite painting.) A fine supporting cast including Dawn French, Francesca Annis, Peter Jones, Joss Ackland and Duncan Preston keep this ticking over and although it may lack the brilliance of Curtis' scripts, Milk is a far from sour experience.

I decided to watch this film when I read a summary describing it as a "black comedy starring Dawn French." As I like black comedies and enjoyed Dawn French in "The Vicar Of Dibley", I found myself watching it. What I saw was much better than I had ever expected.

Though Dawn French has a small role, James Fleet (whom I recognised as Hugo from "The Vicar Of Dibley") was astounding as the eccentric farmer whose mother has died. He is humorous in a deranged sort of way but his sensitivity is also explored so we, as viewers, feel sympathy for him. What is particularly impressive is the versatility of his acting, I will certainly look out for his films in the future.

Despite this being described as a black comedy, it is more accurate to say that it is a dramatic piece based on a foundation of comedy. I found it an original film and was surprised I had not heard of it before. In many ways, it is much better than the usual blockbuster comedies which get lots of press attention. If you like Richard Curtis' work, you should find this right up your street. If you're not sure about it, it can't hurt to give it a go. I definitely don't regret it.

A farmer looks after his sick mother for years and when she dies all the rest of the family come out of the woodwork. It is a black comedy with some really funny moments and an excelent cast. James Fleet who I am now a big fan of after seeing this movie is brilliant. I want to see all his other movies now. At first he comes across as hard. Its only at the end when what has happened to his Mother hits home. Its really a comedy drama so not for action movie fans, but there is a bit of a nailbiting ending that keeps you guessing. I saw this movie on cable tv and had never heard of it, just liked the sound of it. I must say it is a much better than some of those high budget films you hear about all the time. 10 out of 10