Scanialara You won't be disappointed!

Inadvands Boring, over-political, tech fuzed mess

Ginger Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

Edwin The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

Prichards12345 Con O'Neill is absolutely superb as Joe Meek, genius-but-disturbed record maestro. His slow descent into darkness is brilliantly captured in this movie, as is his gradual loss of all his friends and associates. Kevin Spacey is also a standout as his financial backer.At one point we see an advertisement phrase "Go to Work On An Egg" - which was also a t.v. advert that legendary comedian Tony Hancock fronted. There are some pretty close parallels between Hancock and Meek - a clever touch.The centre of the movie is really about his relationship with Heinz (J.J. Feild who is also excellent) and his attempts to propel him to pop super-stardom. It's worth pointing out that Heinz's family were deeply unhappy with his portrayal in this movie, stating none of it was true.At times the movie is very funny. Heinz's punch-up with Jess Conrad is hilarious. But overall this is a dark drama that packs a real punch. Even if the movie is fictional it largely sticks to the facts as I understand them. It also uncovers the sleaziness behind the early 60s pop world fantastically well. It's probably isn't a movie for someone just looking for a pleasant two hours of movie-watching, though.

john_s_napper I really wanted to see this film at the cinema, but somehow it passed me by. Maybe it didn't come to my local cinema which would have been a shame.Anyway, I forgot about it until I stumbled across the DVD online, ordered a copy and finally got to see it 8 years late! It was well worth waiting for.If you know about Joe Meek's life (and death), you will no doubt spot a few moments of artistic licence where some details are not exactly right such as his refusal to speak to Tom Jones when in reality he did record him. However, on the whole it is the story that I was aware of.Most importantly, it is well written, well directed, extremely well acted by all concerned and extremely entertaining despite the sad ending. It is worth noting that many of the people portrayed in the film are credited with cameo roles in the film so I think it is fair to say that those around at the time approved of the script and were happy to take part in it as well as give advice to the actors. For example, in the extra interview film on the DVD, James Cordon tells how Clem Cattini coached him in order to look convincing as a drummer – and he did a really good job in my opinion! I would add that although Kevin Spacey has clearly been included in the cast in order to try to sell this film to the USA, plus he is a big Hollywood name that would no doubt attract a few British cinema-goers who might other wise pass this film by, his performance as the very British Major was excellent. The first time I have ever seen an American play a Brit convincingly.I'm soiled that I bought the DVD because I can now see this film again and again, which I certainly will.

arjunkaul This is a cinematic adaptation of the life of Joe Meek.If you don't know who Joe Meek was, lets just say that he was a pivotal figure in the evolution of popular music whose innovative production techniques and zeal for creation laid the path for a lot of the things that are recorded and broadcast today.This movie by Nick Moran may not be factually accurate let me say that upfront. So don't treat it as a dossier on Joe Meek's life or that of his colleagues. This film is however a tribute to Joe Meek and certainly has some of the things that Joe was great at: Music, Inspiring people and being a sensitive soul.Good performances from everyone. Thats one thing about British cinema. You can be assured of superior acting than their American counterparts. That's a given.I've put an open letter from Patrick Pink in the forum below in case you may care to read it. Its his less than happy reaction on the film.However, this film will certainly help spread the legend of Joe Meek and Telstar and its definitely a good movie to watch.You will feel lousy for him at the end of the movie. For him as well as the other pop music heroes who then succumbed to their less than great fortunes as ordinary people and died in squalor and poverty unknown to the rest of the world. That's pretty phucking sad!Watch it, let the music inspire you and say a prayer for them.

chrismartonuk-1 At last! Nick Moran's labour of love finally reaches the big screen and it's well worth the wait. It's basically the stage play transferred to the screen but, considering how claustrophobic Joe's life at 304 Holloway Road was, it's no bad thing. When he ventures outside into a pre-summer of love 60's London, the culture clash between his dated be-suited appearance and the bright colours of the kids speaks volumes as to what an anachronism he's become. All the regular support cast in the Joe Meek story are present and correct. Kevin Spacey is the tragically unheeded voice of reason as business partner Major Wilfred Banks. Far from being an insensitive hard-headed businessman, he gave Joe the finances to indulge his talent but found, as Dennis Preston had done before, that Joe was an ungrateful employee. Banks role has been expanded to incorporate Spacey and give him more screen time and - apart from the odd lapse - his British tones are maintained throughout.Con O'Neill must surely be up for a BAFTA. He truly inhabits the part and one can only hope it doesn't have an adverse mental effect in the long run a la Heath Ledger. One telling scene has Meek at his lowest ebb as the Beatles - whom he could have signed - receive their MBE's on a TV in the background. J J Field is the unworthy object of his affections as Golden Boy Heinz. His part is also expanded from the play as we see him grappling with Jess Conrad backstage and witness his unbelievable arrogance to his backing band. Actually, Heinz got on well with his support band in spite of their low opinion of his musical abilities. Of the rest of the cast, Pam Ferris provides sympathy for the luckless Mrs Shenton who cheerfully fails to grasp the increasingly dangerous madhouse she has given shelter to. Still, I can't imagine her family members sitting through her violent end - which is depicted as more of an accident than on stage. The actor playing Ritchie Blackmore could have provided a Brummie accent as the stage version did. But these are minor quibbles. Nick Moran and Simon Jordan deserve credit for getting this on screen. In wake of Phil Spector's recent conviction, it is more timely than ever.