Cemetery Junction

Finishing off my review of Ricky Gervais’ awful The Invention of Lying, I stated “roll on Cemetery Junction”. So, has the wait been worth it and does Gervais get back on track? Well, the answer is yes to both, though not in a resounding sense. Cemetery Junction is similar to the final episode of Extras. Low on laughs, with the main focus on dramatic aspects. However, this film does work and though it’s no great shakes, its definitely a likeable little film. Of course, The Invention of Lying was Stephen Merchant free, whereas Cemetery Junction has Gervais reunited with his old mucker. You may grit you teeth that this is yet another coming of age tale, but one written by these two should prick your attention enough to want to indulge. Most films of adolescent awakening are based in one horse towns, and this one is no exception. In the Cemetery Junction of the title we find three friends, Freddie, Bruce and Snork, who’s lives revolve around chasing skirt, drinking beer and fighting. When Freddie (Christian Cooke, who, particularly at the end of the film, bears an uncanny resemblance to a young Roger Daltrey) takes a job at the local insurance company, he initially sees it as a way of moving on with his life. However, he is frustrated by Bruce’s (Tom Hughes) and Snork’s (Jack Doolan) reluctance to move on with theirs. Before long Freddie himself is realising the insurance world of polyester suits and gift bowls is perhaps not all it’s made out to be and the appearance of an old flame (Felicity Jones) throws a further spanner into the works. Where the film scores highly is its portrayal of the 1970’s. The dark days of the Three Day Week and along with the sets and fashions, including a thumping soundtrack, we really do get an impression of a certain time and place. Though less successful is Freddie’s family and their comments regarding foreigners. It’s obviously meant to show the feelings of certain people of the time, but the statements come across as too shoe-horned in. The film also does well in capturing the (then?) dull world of insurance, from the desperation of door to door selling, through to the sterile word of awards dinners. At one such get together Ralph Fiennes (excellent as Cooke’s boss) delivers a speech to a long term employee which is both hilarious and darkly sad at the same time (a Gervais / Merchant calling card if ever there was one). The film does lean heavily towards the drama, but the few jokes that hit the spot are hilarious and you’ll be chuckling at the Noddy gag for days to come. The end may seem obvious in hindsight, but you are kept wondering up until the last reel.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
This may be too slight for some, but it’s heart is in the right place and coming from the cynical pen of Gervais / Merchant that’s saying something. Rating: 7/10.