Comes a Bright Day (2012)

Wonderfully offbeat film!

Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

I watched the film this morning and was really rather surprised by the negative comments. I will admit that the plot feels like it meanders somewhat, and it is simplistic in nature. However, it is an incredibly thought provoking film that really demonstrates how assumptions are not always true. I will not spoil the plot, but the characters in the movie all have tremendous depth apart from the main villain. But the main villain's shallow character allows the watcher to think how they will about him.I was absorbed in it utterly and really feel this is an undiscovered gem of a film. The behaviours are quintessentially British and show real resolve under stress.It could make a marvellous stage play I think, if it hasn't been there already.To those who didn't enjoy it, you are welcome to your opinion, but it is clear to me that you probably struggle to understand British culture and that will have led you to misunderstand this film.

I have to say I absolutely loved this movie. It's a huge mix, hostage thriller, crime caper, love story, rom com. It really is a mixed bag, bu the brilliant performances and the engaging story manage to bind the elements together, making it a very engaging and rather deep film. Some nice bits of humour, I love the names of the thieves, Cameron and Clegg, there's a message in there somewhere (they robbed us all didn't they?)I was so engrossed in the film it took me over half an hour to realise that Cameron was played by Kevin McKidd, I literally didn't recognise him. Josef Altin is hilariously funny as Clegg, hobbling about, he had some great one liners. No need to comment how impressive Poots and Spall are, both are just brilliant, but it's young Craig Roberts once again that impresses, he is a very refreshing actor, and somehow different.Great ending, so in keeping with the tone of the film.Great use of classical music in the film, it added something to the film, especially the beautiful rendition of Lakme.I loved it. 9/10

spoilers - I got this as a recommendation after watching "Robot & Frank" on netflix.... not sure why... maybe because they both involve theft?? In our story, Sam, the bellhop (Craig Roberts) goes into a jewelry store, after meeting a cute girl Mary (Imogen Poots), and gets caught up in a heist. The jewelry story owner or manager is a big, blustery, blowhard, and I'm amazed that they didn't blow him away; he keeps yelling at the holdup guys, but they had no trouble killing a little old lady who was standing in the store at the time. One of the crooks has a terrible stutter, so he should be no problem to identify at some point. To make him even more quirky, the facemask which he wears has a virgin mary in the center, which the camera lingers on, now & then. A standout here is the sandwich shop clerk, played by Anthony Welsh. He has a smallish role, but carries it off well. The film is OK.... The hostages talk with each other, and with the inept crooks, at one point to stop them from possibly raping one of the hostages. Not the best film I've watched, but not the worst. Lots of talking, some shooting. Ordering food. The jewelry store owner/manager switches from insulting the bellhop to praising him pretty quickly. Then it all hits the fan, the big adventure is over, and they talk a lot about their future plans and dreams for people who were just facing death a few minutes before.

This is a film I've been tracking for a while through develoment as it has some quality throughout the production and acting teams. I have to say the team have done a great job of blending romantic comedy with adventure action - finally, a movie that has something for me and the lady in my life...It reminds me of the classic London BritFlick films such as LockStock but less comedic and updated to feel more realistic. London looks beautiful, the cast are beautiful and the script beautifully written. It twists and turns and in some places isn't fully explained - but I'm not sure that's a negative - more a sign of a robust storyteller at work. I'd like to know more about the team behind this as it is shot in a unique way that adds to the 'new feel' of the film. It also reminds me just how stunning the city is as a backdrop for such fim making.