I thought that "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" was an excellent biopic of the late, great Ian Dury
who, stricken by Polio at an early age went on against all odds to be a leading player / singer in the emerging punk scene of the 70's and onwards ... The cast was very strong, especially the lead role played fantastically well by Andy Serkis (aka Gollum Lord of the Rings, King Kong King Kong), Naomie Harris (After the Sunset, Pirates of the Caribbean At World's End) as Ian's girlfriend Denise and Bill Milner (Son of Rambow, Is there Anybody there?) as Ian's son Baxter. The film takes you through Ian Dury's funny / sad / dynamic / and often chaotic life with a collation of live performances, flashbacks and monologues often driven by the great lyrics of the songs themselves
this is very well done
The director (Mat Whitecross)moves the film along at a good pace and gets the very best performances out of the actors and the casting of Andy Serkis as Ian Dury was a masterstroke I would not be at all surprised if he was nominated for best actor in the Oscars for this amazing performance. I would believe that even Ian Drury would have been impressed by Serkis's performance! I found this to be a very poignant, entertaining film that (I believe) fairly accurately depicts the life and times of the late, great Ian Dury
and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this film. For those that previously enjoyed the music of Ian Dury and the Blockheads you will love this film
for those that haven't heard the music before
"What a Waste!"
get ready to be converted
for you'll have "Reasons to be cheerful" when Ian Dury "Hit's you with his Rhythm Stick!"
