Dreadfully Boring

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

In other words,this film is a surreal ride.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Vinyl- Director Sara Sugarman/ Written Jim Cooper, Sara Sugarman3/5 By Jonathan L HermittIndependent films are somewhat risky where they can either be a cinema gem or confusingly banal. I took the plunge with an indie comedy and discovered that my precious time hadn't completely been drained, staring into my laptop screen.In a peculiar genre emerges a small, low budgeted British off-comedy, Vinyl, lead by veteran actors such as Keith Allen (Minto) and Phil Daniels (Johnny Jones) and fresh, upcoming pretty boy Jamie Blackley (Drainpipe). Filmed in land of the Welsh, tells the true story of a 1980s band that ignites a media phenomenon by casting a group of young children to masquerade the hit single of the ageing eighties band. Raising awareness upon the issue of image, capitalising obsessed music labels and the ignorance of consumerism; projecting an almost satire objective. A cheeky little tale that manages to maintain one's attention throughout; alongside relevant subplots that plays large contributions to the main plot. Occasionally forced the odd chuckle and included spots of crude humour (the best kind) to give it that British edge. A deeper character development wouldn't have hurt the film, although there wasn't much complexity in the characters unless we dug...dug deep.The acting performances overall were mediocre, however Phil Daniels and Jamie Blackley did stand out from the rest of the group- this could be due to being scripted more speech, but the penultimate scene when both had to dig deep and find those tears was rather indicative of skill. The presence of tears weren't the indication but more the timing and control of the quantity were reflective of the characters and the respected reputation of Phil Daniels and potential of Blackley.Could it better? Of course.Regardless, sometimes that is the sacrifice of a low-budget film- needless to say, the film hasn't won the rights to boast although I wouldn't discard it completely.

In 2004 Mike Peters, a member of The Alarm - an ageing popular music ensemble - scored high in the hit parade with '45 RPM', released under the pseudonym of a teenage band called The Poppy Fields. That hoax is the basis for 'Vinyl', in which a band of washed-up rockers including Phil Daniels and Keith Allen accidentally produce the best music of their lives during a drunken session of 'jamming' (as I believe musical folk call it). But record companies aren't interested in anyone over the age of thirty, so the rockers hire a group of teenagers to mime to the song.There's nothing remotely new here: the characters are all two-dimensional (heartless young music execs, talentless kids etc), the plot follows well-trodden paths and the revelation of one of the kids' parentage is entirely predictable. But having said that, it's an enjoyable feel-good film... I just could have done without the frequent shots of Daniels without his shirt (and sometimes without his trousers, too). Ew!

Vinyl is just a fun movie. The movie is fantastic and you can tell it was a labor of love to get this film made. No, it's not going to win an Academy Award (well, maybe for the soundtrack), but what's wrong with 90 minutes of good entertainment and a story that will have you leaving the theater with a smile on your face? I was fortunate enough to attend the American premiere in New York City. Back then, distribution was seen as a major issue. It's good to see the film is getting on some screens in the UK. I'd certainly like to go see it again and hope it can get on some screens here in the States. I was lucky enough to talk to director Sara Sugarman and -- unlike what the twit at the bottom of the screen said -- found her to be utterly charming. You could see the dedication and sacrifice she put in to get this film made.Go see this movie!

As a lifelong fan and supporter of the man and band that this film is loosely based upon, I managed to catch about 45 minutes or so of this film at 'The Gathering' event in 2012 (others who were there will know what happened next!!! only to say it will go down in folklore!!!!!) I was absolutely captivated and entertained by the film. A second showing has been granted for this years 'Gathering' event and I'm very much looking forward to seeing the second half!!! If you like and enjoy British movies, with a proper and entertaining story (which did actually happen in 2004), then this film is for you. The performances by the strong cast were great, and there even was a surprise cameo from Mike Peters himself!!! Go enjoy. 'FREE ROCK & ROLL'