Beyond the Pole

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.

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.

In this completely unfunny and self-consciously quirky pile of tosh some faces who you'll recognise from some equally unfunny TV shows trek to the pole. Aside from the big dollop of populist anti-scientific cult- like global warming nonsense the film just isn't funny at all.

What is funny though is that the cast and crew have been STRAIGHT onto the IMDb to post a load of totally unconvincing fake reviews. I mean check them out, most of them are saying they can't wait till the DVD is released or praising this as a masterpiece. Yet weirdly, not one of them have written another review for any other movie. Naturally they found this one so good they had to dash on to register and give it a 10 though. They aren't the first crappy movie to do this, they're just the most blatant. Check out the internet and you'll find them begging people to come on and give them a good review, pathetic. I appreciate that our film industry is on its arse but we aren't that desperate yet. Come on guys, a 10 from everyone? At least throw in a couple of 8's and 7's to make it look a bit more convincing.

This film is a waste of time. It's not funny, it's not entertaining and it doesn't deserve more than three stars. I gave it one since the cast and crew have decided it's a 10. Why is it everything to do with global warming (re-branded as climate change) has that air of scam about it? I hope this one loses more money than it makes, it deserves it for boring the hell out of me and riding the liars bandwagon just as the wheels fall off.

Beyond The Pole is a tongue in cheek movie about climate change, among other things. It also deals with friendships that are strained to breaking point and the strength of human spirit, albeit with a comedic feel.

This independent mockumentary style film made me think while I laughed and at times, cringed. I never felt that it preached to me about the whole climate change debate, but somehow at the end I felt that I had been enlightened slightly.

Maybe it is because the film was actually shot on floating ice caps, with the whole handy cam feel, that it gives you a sense of actually being with the characters as they struggle with their adventure, through the good times, and the bad.

With twists and turns at many points, this film kept me guessing till the end.

A definite must see, even if it's only for a laugh.

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.