Adulthood (2008) Reviews

• Well crafted and engaging film

  Info-13672008-05-14

  Having just seen this film at a BAFTA preview, I felt that it deserves a favourable review. Noel Clarke has realised a well written, captivating film. Melodrama and action is finely balanced, moving the storyline smoothly along whilst capturing all the relevant aspects of the protagonists journey. There were one or two contrivances that were a little beyond expected reality, but they weren't totally unreasonable and only served to highlight the overall realism of the storyline. It is after all a drama and some concessions need to made to keep the suspense. The characters are all extremely believable and the cast all contribute with superb performances, bar none. Noel Clarke's own performance is outstanding, and is the bedrock of the film. Having only been aware of him from his appearances in Dr.Who, I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of character he manages to portray. The dialogue seems to be authentic in style and avoids making the actors seem like caricatures, as can so easily be done in films of a similar theme. Brian Tufano's cinematography was well measured and help to maintain a good balance between some nice editing, great soundtrack and solid direction. I think Noel Clarke should be justly proud of his achievement in writing , starring and directing this genuinely entertaining film. If I seem to be lauding too much praise, it is because this film didn't fail to deliver where so many other low budget films do. It is a film with honesty, heart, action and integrity without preaching or patronising the viewer. I liked it and I'm a cynical sod, so if anyone sees Noel Clarke, tell him he done alright. Darcus (not Howe)

• As good as "Kidulthood", if not better

  seawalker2008-07-07

  "Adulthood" was the sequel to "Kidulthood". "Kidulthood" was certainly not a subtle movie and neither was "Adulthood". "Adulthood" was low budget, rough around the edges, harsh, brutal, and totally engrossing. Sometimes the acting of the young cast was variable, but it's best performers - writer/director/lead actor Noel Clarke, Scarlet Alice Johnson (in the role obviously originally intended to be Jamie Winstone's 'Becky' character from "Kidulthood") and Adam Deacon - managed to imbue their roles with a ring of truth. "Adulthood" got by on relevance (the debate about gang culture and gun crime is constantly in British newspapers at the moment), raw power and energy. In fact "Adulthood" had enough raw power and energy to silence an unruly audience of mobile phone carrying teenage boys, wearing baseball caps and trousers that were too big for them. At least it did in the screening that I attended. Maybe they were shocked at seeing versions of themselves up on the big screen? I thought that "Adulthood" was as good as "Kidulthood", if not better. There is so much more to Noel Clarke than being known as a "Doctor Who" companion. You mark my words, he is a name to watch.

• Brilliantly summarised movie..definitely worth a watch

  satydg2008-07-03

  I had not watched Kidhood, the prequel to this movie but was so damn moved by Adulthood. I later realised that you don't need to watch the part 1 of it. Sam , the character was strong and genuine and in-your-face types and the movie, for sure, portrayed the underground life of the youngsters in the UK. Worth a watch for sure and recommended for a critics award. The violence scenes were brutal at times but am sure the movie demanded the same. Hats off to the director for bringing out raw talents out of these young actors and highlighting the growing problems of young crimes in this country.

• Written in a week: it shows.

  harrycole-32008-11-30

  Just a cynical ploy to get young people to buy the soundtrack and DVDs by making the cast speak in ridiculous accents and non-sense slang. You can usually tell when a script was written in a hurry: the events of the film take place over a short period of time, the characters are 1 dimensional and the plot is predictable. The Danny dyer cameo was the only moment of acting which didn't make me cringe. Adam Deacon, who put in a great performance on Dead Set seemed to confuse shouting whilst using "ghetto" slang with acting. Having spent most of my life living in west London, I can say that this film resides in the land of fiction. Noel Clark is trying to paint a picture of 'war on the streets' which just isn't true. Overall, a waste of £13 and 1.5 hours.

• Adulthood or Infantile?

  mardigrasfilms2009-09-19

  Yet another example of Film Council Money squandered on a so called "worthy" project. "Adulthood" seems as if it was made by someone on a work experience scheme attached to "Eastenders". In other words a totally unrealistic portrayal of life in London. A "film" (actually more like a teatime kids TV programme with swearing) completely devoid of wit, humour, style or intelligence. Infantile, clichéd dialogue, one dimensional characterisation and dreadful acting not worthy of a school play. I sincerely hope the Film Council don't give this director any more money until he grows up and finds something interesting to tell an audience. A sad and depressing indictment of the British film industry at present