Beyond the Pole

This film made me laugh from beginning to end. Beyond the Pole has brilliant cast of the top British actors, add to that the beautiful scenery, and the mockumentary style of story telling and you have all the right ingredients for a fantastic British film. The script is superbly written with heart warming characters over-coming adversity by attempting to be the first Carbon Neutral, Vegetarian, Organic expedition ever to reach the North Pole. Rhys Thomas is hilarious as Brian and the interaction between him and Stephen Mangan (Mark) as they pursue their heroic trip feels natural. I think that this could have all the success of "Full Monty" and "Four Weddings". I would love to go and see this film again and take my friends along for a really great feel good evening.

The climate-change camp of environmentalists have over the last few decades moved from hippies in trees to suits in boardrooms, from Greenpeace ships to parliament and from chaining themselves to construction site fencing to highly paid city-based consultants. Some would argue a long-oppressed and "inconvenient" movement has now swung right through the centre ground, and like many oppressed but important issues, now gone too far, and there is a need for amending the balance.

Enter "Beyond the Pole". While not losing sight - or in my view trying to criticise or offend the climate debate - this film is an hilarious look at where idealism simply goes too far. In a small screening at the ICA we laughed, cringed and cried on a roller-coaster of emotions from the Chelsea Tractor streets of London to the harsh, barren and cold reality of the Arctic North.

This is essential viewing for all. I left amused, entertained and felt some much needed humour (and humility) had been injected into the climate debate.

Not least as I leave for the North Pole at the end of March. And yes, I did go to Public School. Sorry.

I had the pleasure of seeing this film at a preview a few months ago. As a perfect counter balance to Mr Al Gore's film it's serious subject matter is handled with care and belly laughs. More fun at delivering the message than 50 politicians banging on. A must see for film buffs and white van man alike. In fact it should be shown in Westminster! A classic British film that takes on the issue of the day and makes you think "what can i do to change things?" Great writing and well cast. Good use of soundtrack music pushes the story along to good effect. Forget showing in Westminster, get it to schools and Uni's. "Beyond The Pole" is a very now film that you wont forget in a hurry.

I viewed Beyond The Pole as a comedy first and ecological message second. Starting off with an idealogical dream, out two intrepid heroes (Steve Mangham and Rhys Thomas, both displaying flair for comedy) come up with an idea of combining a dream to reach the north Pole with getting into the Guinness Book of Records. They're going as the first non-supported, carbon-free and vegetarian team.

After selling flats and leaving a pregnant wife, the duo get to the Arctic (a beautifully dramatic landscape, filmed in Greenland) and correspond with home, via an amusing and always eating Mark Benton, whom, along with Rhys' wife, talk to them via satellite from a caravan in the middle of a field. Mangham's wife, meanwhile, jollies it up in the south of France with his old school-pal.

Back in Greenland, the team's cameraman shoots an inquisitive polar bear and things start to fall apart and frictions arise between the two pals. Hot on the their trail are an organised and professional Norwegian team, competing under the same rules. When they catch up with our motley duo, they find that out that they happen to be a gay couple. Or were. A couple, that is.

It's fresh and breezy, but never THAT funny and I found some of the relationship bickering a bit trying though overall, a fair stab at something a bit different and ultimately quite enjoyable.

We watched this on DVD today (too hot to go out) and the whole family loved it!

It's not often you see a film that really stays with you but we were all talking about it right through dinner and my brother and his friends have already started quoting their favourite lines - a sure fire indicator of a cult hit if ever there was one!

Everyone loved Stephen Mangan and Rhys Thomas who are just the most wonderful friends in it (bickering their way across the ice was just hilarious and a bit like a dysfunctional marriage!) but personally my favourites were Rosie Cavaliero (not an actress I'd seen before) and Lars Arentz Hansen. These two were so truthful and funny I just loved watching them every time they came on screen. Real stars in the making (if they're not already - I don't know!!)

Also I have to say that the DVD extras just are lovely. The actors are so, so funny and the story of the making of it just so great. Thankyou!