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Men In Black 3

It’s not a sequel that needed to be made, but thanks to the charm of its leads and a tone that harks back to the wit and humour of the original, it’s a pretty enjoyable trip.

Bel Ami

The excellent female support cast saves this patchy effort, which is let down by its leading man and a flat screenplay.

The Dictator

A disappointing, often repulsive and mean-spirited mess of a film with seemingly only one real criterion on its agenda: to shock and offend.

The Woman In Black

Packed with atmosphere, this old-fashioned but deftly told ghost story delivers ample chills and thrills.

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The Inbetweeners (Film)

by Michael Simms | November 23, 2011 14:22 | Edited November 23, 2011 14:24

It may not trump the heights of the television series but this gross-out comedy throws up wall to wall laughs and a genuine affection for its characters.

After just three celebrated seasons, British teen comedy The Inbetweeners has garnered a loyal band of followers, and whilst the transition to the big screen may not reach the towering heights of the series, this is an energetic and successful comedy romp that will effortlessly gratify its fans.

 

After finishing their a-levels, best mates Will, Simon, Jay and Neil are at a crossroads. Simon's been left broken-hearted, and Jay's been left an inheritance, so the awkward foursome hit up Malia in Crete for a beach retreat of binge-drinking, partying and ‘clunge'. As predicted, things don't go according to plan; their lodgings are revolting, tensions between the boys are rife, and attempts at luring women are dismal flops - resulting in hilarious below the belt antics.

 

The film delivers all the filth and vulgarity that fans of the television series will have come to expect, and though overdone, these gags manage to sustain the running time. It does lack the well observed moments of painful, tragic adolescence that distinguish the series, but it has been nicely written by Damon Beesley and Iain Morris, with brilliant one-liners and genuine affection for the lads.

 

Ultimately, it is the charm of these four characters that provides the strength of The Inbetweeners. Though exaggerated, there is something very real and relatable about Will, Simon, Jay and Neil. Whether it's their overuse of hair gel, desperate obsession with sex, or their friendship, it has a nice ring of truth. Not to mention, the performances from the young cast are consistently excellent. Director Ben Palmer also does a commendable job in expanding the material for the big screen, and though repetitive and predictable, the screenplay hits the right comedic beats and eventually soars.

 

The feel-good finale set on a boat party along a Mediterranean coastline has a slight Mamma Mia vibe (with bucket loads more binge drinking, vomit, and oral sex) - but it will still leave audiences feeling elated. This might not be a highly original concept, nor is the comedy on display refined, but for fans, The Inbetweeners Movie is a wholly satisfying experience.