In this alternately somber and witty coming-of-age drama, a pair of teenage boys growing up in a working-class neighborhood become aware of their homosexuality. Introspective Jamie (Glen Berry) is the son of Sandra (Linda Henry), a tough but warm-hearted barmaid who lives in a public housing block in a rough-and-tumble section of South London. Living a few doors away is Jamie's classmate Ste (Scott Neal), an athletic type who often has to take a beating from his hard-drinking father and
hard-headed brother. One night, Jamie and Sandra discover that Ste has been kicked out of the apartment and has nowhere to spend the night; Jamie lets him stay at his place, and a casual closeness eventually stirs sexual feelings. While both were vaguely aware they might be gay, neither had ever acted on their impulses, and once Jamie and Ste decide that they're attracted to each other, neither is sure just what to do. Tony (Ben Daniels), Sandra's boyfriend, doesn't know what to think about Jamie's new lifestyle. Meanwhile, Jamie and Ste are themselves a bit puzzled by their neighbor Leah (Tameka Empson), a teenager obsessed with the life and music of Mama Cass Elliott. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
Because the film is so effective for its first two-thirds and because it has its heart in the right place throughout, audiences may be willing to forgive its final third.
It's a sweet coming of age tale. Set in 1995 it was great to see in the background some Batman Forever candy holders. I used to have these and they were coooool. Anyway the film deals with its subject splendidly and avoids cliche, however as a byproduct of this it also seems to avoid any real conflict. Though it is
good to see a guy bullied who isn't bothered by it. Ben Daniels is brilliant as the caring but clueless Tony but the real stand out is Tameka Empson as the Mama Cass obsessed youth. She lights up the screen and steals every moment she's in. A nice script that fashions its scenarios via realistic set-ups although the end dance is a BIT much.
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