It was by pure coincidence that I saw this movie. When I heard that the movie flopped, I was very surprised. I considered it to be funny, entertaining and with great music. One of the best movies I saw in 2003, only to be beat by Amelie.
34 Reviews
Make plans to be there when anyone pops this film into the DVD player
inkblot117 December 2006
Olivia (Charlotte Church) is a sixteen year old with a heavenly voice. Her mother, Rebecca (Jemma Redgrave), however, will not allow her daughter to even imagine a career in music. That is because Olivia is the child of a weekend encounter Rebecca had with a rock star long ago. Voila. The rock star ends up in the hospital and soon after learns he has a lovely daughter. He never got Rebecca's letters of information, it seems. Can the aging rocker turn his life around and become a true father to his child? And, will Olivia be able to pursue a future that makes use of her stunning voice? This is a nice film in many ways. Church is great as the teenager and her voice is beyond compare. The other actors are also quite nice, the Wales setting is beautiful, and the movie's production values are more than adequate. Most important, the message of forgiveness resounds throughout the movie, a message that is needed by everyone. If you like music, romance, and humor, and who does not, get this very fine film at some point in the near future. It is a sweet movie that will make viewers everywhere feel on top of the world.
Charlotte exceeds expectations and is actually acceptable in film role
jeremyscholes120023 August 2005
A better than expected "star" vehicle for Charlotte Church's film debut. She inevitably gets some criticism for just being herself in normal life but in this film she is at least as good as most 16 year old actresses with possibly rather more training would be albeit it's true that to some extent she is playing herself. I've always thought Jemma Redgrave to be a wooden actress but she isn't too bad here and does a good job of looking extremely proud of her daughter by the end. The flashback when she plays herself at 18 stretches the imagination though.
Joss Ackland is quite effective as the old rocker of a grandfather. He seems to be having a ball singing with the rock band and it is his own voice. I just about remembered he has sung in the past and played Juan Peron on the original album of Evita.
Craig Ferguson is in mixed form as the rock star. Early on he is a caricature and doesn't act very well in the attempt but as the character calms down he gives a better performance.
Overall a good family film - A predictable ending (It was obvious what Charlotte's closing song in the film would be from very early on - Anbd the title gave another clue) but none the worse for that.
Joss Ackland is quite effective as the old rocker of a grandfather. He seems to be having a ball singing with the rock band and it is his own voice. I just about remembered he has sung in the past and played Juan Peron on the original album of Evita.
Craig Ferguson is in mixed form as the rock star. Early on he is a caricature and doesn't act very well in the attempt but as the character calms down he gives a better performance.
Overall a good family film - A predictable ending (It was obvious what Charlotte's closing song in the film would be from very early on - Anbd the title gave another clue) but none the worse for that.
A great little film..
mdace988914 September 2004
Why does every film have to have multiple meanings in order to be considered good?? This was a real surprise for me. Uncomplicated and fun, this Charlotte Church vehicle gave me 90 minutes of popcorn eating enjoyment. I felt Charlotte was perfect in this role and she acted with vetern-like ease.
The problem with critics these days is that they over-analyize every film to see if they meet some deep meanings. This was a film intended to be a feel good comedy and thats exactly what it does. The cast was great, and as an American I found some of the humor pretty funny. Lets not forget that the viewers get a chance to hear Charlotte's amazing voice, which is one of the most beautiful on earth.
The problem with critics these days is that they over-analyize every film to see if they meet some deep meanings. This was a film intended to be a feel good comedy and thats exactly what it does. The cast was great, and as an American I found some of the humor pretty funny. Lets not forget that the viewers get a chance to hear Charlotte's amazing voice, which is one of the most beautiful on earth.
Would have worked better as straight drama
sarastro76 January 2007
A problem with I'll Be There is that there are too many clichés in it. The entire opening scene with Paul Kerr's drunken accident is made up of pure clichés, and really doesn't give you a very good first impression of the movie.
But it's not a bad movie. It seems to be made partly to fictionalize Charlotte Church's real life, for reading her IMDb biography page, there seems to be a lot of details in the movie that are taken from her real life.
The movie would have been much better served being a straight drama rather than a part-time comedy. The comedy aspects of it weren't effective, and almost embarrassingly unfunny. If the movie had ditched the comedy part and spent some time exploring the story in more depth, it could have been a lot better. And would have been a lot sweeter, too.
7 out of 10.
But it's not a bad movie. It seems to be made partly to fictionalize Charlotte Church's real life, for reading her IMDb biography page, there seems to be a lot of details in the movie that are taken from her real life.
The movie would have been much better served being a straight drama rather than a part-time comedy. The comedy aspects of it weren't effective, and almost embarrassingly unfunny. If the movie had ditched the comedy part and spent some time exploring the story in more depth, it could have been a lot better. And would have been a lot sweeter, too.
7 out of 10.
So Conflicted!
rzajac10 June 2013
I'm really conflicted. I'll Be There has a lot to recommend it: It has some great writing, not half bad story management, good direction and performances, fun musical numbers that feel real, yet tight. And it *feels* wonderful.
But a few aspects of the final product threaten to "down" it. One has to do with the fact that the story is what I call "operatic", by which I mean that the story can be told in 50 words or less, and the success or failure of the flick comes down to whether it dealt effectively with that limitation. And there are times when one has to wonder. Also, there are moments where the ball on character development seems to be fumbled; folks say and do things, here and there, that seem to muddle their characters a bit.
But I can still recommend it. I notice that a lot of the folks here are fans of Ms. Church. I'm a fan of Ferguson, and this is my first encounter with Church. She was the weakest acting professional of the lot, and she was pretty darned good: I say this to emphasize the wicked good acting that infests the flick pretty much from beginning to end. At times I felt that there were individual scenes that were so good, they alone made me glad I watched the flick. An early scene in the pub with a knot of Kerr fans resolving their (initially) conflicted feelings about him was mindblowingly good!
I'd love to give the flick a higher rating, as I give high ratings to films that move me, which this one did... But I have to demur and back off a little: There were too many fleeting moments of balls getting dropped, and that seriously impacts the overall effect of a film.
Glad it was made: Good flick: Go watch it!
But a few aspects of the final product threaten to "down" it. One has to do with the fact that the story is what I call "operatic", by which I mean that the story can be told in 50 words or less, and the success or failure of the flick comes down to whether it dealt effectively with that limitation. And there are times when one has to wonder. Also, there are moments where the ball on character development seems to be fumbled; folks say and do things, here and there, that seem to muddle their characters a bit.
But I can still recommend it. I notice that a lot of the folks here are fans of Ms. Church. I'm a fan of Ferguson, and this is my first encounter with Church. She was the weakest acting professional of the lot, and she was pretty darned good: I say this to emphasize the wicked good acting that infests the flick pretty much from beginning to end. At times I felt that there were individual scenes that were so good, they alone made me glad I watched the flick. An early scene in the pub with a knot of Kerr fans resolving their (initially) conflicted feelings about him was mindblowingly good!
I'd love to give the flick a higher rating, as I give high ratings to films that move me, which this one did... But I have to demur and back off a little: There were too many fleeting moments of balls getting dropped, and that seriously impacts the overall effect of a film.
Glad it was made: Good flick: Go watch it!
Obvious, predictable, and fun
=G=29 January 2004
"I'll Be There" tells of a singing Brit teen with a paper route and a pink scooter who lives with her mum and learns the father she never knew is a wacky rock star (Ferguson) who lives nearby. On the downside, this obvious, contrived, and predictable string of feel good moments, sitcom, and song stumbles over a lackluster debut by chipmunk-cheeked Church and its own unabashed hokiness. On the upside it delivers some of Church's amazing warbling, some foot stompin' boogie-woogie, and an ample helping of sentimental fun stuff while never taking itself too seriously. With mixed reviews and mediocre marks from the public, "I'll Be There" makes for a fun watch if expectations are kept real. If in doubt, wait for broadcast where it's sure to appear soon. (C+)
Oh dear
happycarrot689 October 2016
After watching 'London City' I had flashbacks to this thankfully forgotten effort from a few years back.
From the opening scenes you get the feeling of a predictable, low budget, romantic piece of nonsense with the obvious predictable ending. The whole film had the feeling of a poorly acted school play, the flash back to the 80s scene was particularly hilarious where they somehow managed to make the characters look older with the appearance of 40 year olds going to an oldies night.
On the plus side for Charlotte Church, I doubt too many ever saw this, it truly is a poor piece of work, a DVD that would make a better drink's coaster than viewing if you were given as a Xmas present from the 99p bargain bin.
From the opening scenes you get the feeling of a predictable, low budget, romantic piece of nonsense with the obvious predictable ending. The whole film had the feeling of a poorly acted school play, the flash back to the 80s scene was particularly hilarious where they somehow managed to make the characters look older with the appearance of 40 year olds going to an oldies night.
On the plus side for Charlotte Church, I doubt too many ever saw this, it truly is a poor piece of work, a DVD that would make a better drink's coaster than viewing if you were given as a Xmas present from the 99p bargain bin.
One of the most enjoyable movies that I have seen in a very long time.
tabycat8 August 2003
This movie had all of the elements of a good time. Wonderful cast, lots of laughing, music to tap your feet and terrific scenery. Craig Ferguson, did an outstanding tour de force with writing,acting etc. He's a joy to behold. Charlotte Church, moved me, she was just right, and her voice, like an angel. It's a movie for the whole family, without being a Disney movie. I am looking forward to seeing it again and again.
cute but implausible plot
steubnerrhodes22 November 2004
"I'll Be There" has a cute but implausible plot, mediocre acting, and terrible sound quality, which would not be completely horrible in an ordinary movie, but in a movie that's entire purpose is to allow the lead actress to show off her voice, it's a disaster. The plot is quite obviously put together merely so that Charlotte Church can sing, but the poor recording quality of the movie does not even let the plot follow through with its motive. Charlotte Church's beautiful, first class voice is completely butchered. The movie would be worthwhile just to here her sing if someone on the crew had managed to obtain decent recording equipment. As this is not the case, it is a bit of a waste of time. The plot is cute enough that it can keep the attention of the viewer, and Charlotte Church plays her part fairly well. She has a very pretty face that lights up at the right moments and aids the movie considerably. Otherwise, the acting is mediocre, and the movie is not worth wasting money on.
Funny, talented, and surprising.
refoveo24 January 2004
I actually only rented this on the chance that I would get to hear Charlotte Church sing. I wasn't expecting much out of the film or the acting. I was wrong. I laughed out loud in several spots, and was extrememly pleasantly surprised to see such good acting. Most of all by Miss Church. Who would think that someone with such stunning beauty and such a talented voice, could actually act.
The movie wasn't much of an inspiring romance, but it was a movie that was intedned to uplift you and inspire you to pursue your dreams. Entertaining to the last minute.
The movie wasn't much of an inspiring romance, but it was a movie that was intedned to uplift you and inspire you to pursue your dreams. Entertaining to the last minute.
May the Lord have mercy on their souls...
JohnBoyRoy4 April 2004
I viewed this film on the way back from NYC to LOndon.
In a cramped plane seat and a world of boredom this film did not shine. Miss Church is laughable (admittedly only in places), the characters are stereotyped and the dialogue contrived and generally unfunny.
Most of the laughs come from the crappines of the film but there are some good moments in the loony bin and with the "Australian" mate.
Honestly though, its an absolute abortion. Would never have been made if Charlotte Church's a**e wasn't in it. See for this reason ONLY.
Line ten needed by the imdb bods. I thank you.
In a cramped plane seat and a world of boredom this film did not shine. Miss Church is laughable (admittedly only in places), the characters are stereotyped and the dialogue contrived and generally unfunny.
Most of the laughs come from the crappines of the film but there are some good moments in the loony bin and with the "Australian" mate.
Honestly though, its an absolute abortion. Would never have been made if Charlotte Church's a**e wasn't in it. See for this reason ONLY.
Line ten needed by the imdb bods. I thank you.
Unexpectedly good
davejohnson151 August 2003
My whole family went to see this and we all enjoyed it. We think that it is a shame that it wasn't seen by more people. It was a good light- hearted film and the cast did it credit. I was not expecting such a good performance from Charlotte Church although she was really playing herself. If you don't expect high drama and sit back and relax, you should really enjoy it. I will certainly buy this video when it comes out on general release.
I'll be there for another more ambitious, pristine plan from Charlotte Church in cinema
dbdumonteil25 June 2006
This film, chiefly a vehicle conceived to highlight Charlotte Church at a time when she was about to relinquish classical music to jump on the bandwagon of pop (maybe wrongly) didn't last long at its opening in English theaters. It didn't reach the streets in France for the simple reason that if Church is celebrated abroad for having a sublime voice and sang for a good number of most momentous people around the globe, she isn't a household name in my native country. This film was broadcast a few weeks ago on French TV and it was so hurriedly, badly dubbed that it brought a sensation of false, phony. It wasn't much of a problem given the weak contents and substance of Craig Ferguson's film.
The fleeting life of the film in the English theaters is hardly surprising. This reheated menu is certainly partly derived from Church's several installments in her life. The quality of her acting leaves a lot to be desired. It's true that it would take impervious ears to resist her voice and singing but it's impossible to be moved by her rather wooden acting. And she's not served by a story with little depth and is sedately scheduled in its evolution and its recesses. Just think about the staple ingredients used by Ferguson: take a has-been rock musician in limbo, make him discover that he's got a cute daughter, the result of a relationship which lasted one week-end. And this daughter has a wondrous voice, so she could take her chance in music but her mother is not ready to accept this because the clichés of rock n'roll remain stuck on her mind. I won't tell the rest but the different steps of the scenario interlock as planned to give a run-on-the-mill film. Actors act cardboard characters and the supposedly would-be droll moments fall flat (sorry Mr. Ferguson, but you didn't manage to make me smile during your antics at the psychiatric hospital). And there's a bad taste editing opening the film announcing the fiasco of this well-worn tale.
Some users on this site talked about the "feel-good" vibe which shrouds the film. I wasn't taken with it at all so this vibe wasn't palpable at all to me.
The fleeting life of the film in the English theaters is hardly surprising. This reheated menu is certainly partly derived from Church's several installments in her life. The quality of her acting leaves a lot to be desired. It's true that it would take impervious ears to resist her voice and singing but it's impossible to be moved by her rather wooden acting. And she's not served by a story with little depth and is sedately scheduled in its evolution and its recesses. Just think about the staple ingredients used by Ferguson: take a has-been rock musician in limbo, make him discover that he's got a cute daughter, the result of a relationship which lasted one week-end. And this daughter has a wondrous voice, so she could take her chance in music but her mother is not ready to accept this because the clichés of rock n'roll remain stuck on her mind. I won't tell the rest but the different steps of the scenario interlock as planned to give a run-on-the-mill film. Actors act cardboard characters and the supposedly would-be droll moments fall flat (sorry Mr. Ferguson, but you didn't manage to make me smile during your antics at the psychiatric hospital). And there's a bad taste editing opening the film announcing the fiasco of this well-worn tale.
Some users on this site talked about the "feel-good" vibe which shrouds the film. I wasn't taken with it at all so this vibe wasn't palpable at all to me.
Charlotte Church = Nice Surprise
staceym14 July 2004
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and unexpectedly so. I am not Charlotte Church's number one fan, but all the same she was not as bad as people seem to think, and it's criminal that this movie was in and out of theatres almost straight away.
The plot is, I agree, similar to 'What a Girl Wants', but I think that they are different enough that you could see both and be quite happy.
Craig Ferguson was excellent, all the more so as he wrote and directed, and Joss Ackland and Jemma Redgrave contributed to a solid supporting cast.
I'd definitely give 4.5 out of 5 for this, only knocking off .5 as Imelda Staunton and Phyllida Law were somewhat wasted.
The plot is, I agree, similar to 'What a Girl Wants', but I think that they are different enough that you could see both and be quite happy.
Craig Ferguson was excellent, all the more so as he wrote and directed, and Joss Ackland and Jemma Redgrave contributed to a solid supporting cast.
I'd definitely give 4.5 out of 5 for this, only knocking off .5 as Imelda Staunton and Phyllida Law were somewhat wasted.
The ultimate feel-good movie and what's wrong with that?
artylrobb6 November 2004
I must admit I really enjoyed this film. Not because it had something profound to say, but simply because it is positive and has a very amusing, Scottish 'front man'. Craig, you're braw! You really can act the rock star from the smile to the stage appearance! I was also very impressed by Church - very natural. Maybe this film could help her go far?
I watched the film with commentary since Ferguson was commentating and found it rather amusing to note that he really had had a motorbike accident (not in the way described in the film) and had broken a rib and hurt his arm. Although you don't think about it in ignorance, it does explain a few things when you know. A must-see for everyone who doesn't stick there nose up at happy film :)
I watched the film with commentary since Ferguson was commentating and found it rather amusing to note that he really had had a motorbike accident (not in the way described in the film) and had broken a rib and hurt his arm. Although you don't think about it in ignorance, it does explain a few things when you know. A must-see for everyone who doesn't stick there nose up at happy film :)
Not a great film, but an excellent one
WheelerClown5 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I found this movie to up upbeat and even a bit heartwarming. The plot was perhaps a little contrived, but I'm a sucker for happy endings and movies about families that, eventually at least, work it out.
Perhaps I have a better DVD than one of the other reviewers, because I found nothing wrong with the sound quality of the film. The acting wasn't up to Academy Award standards, was was quite good, and there were some very funny parts, although some of the "British" comments went over my American head. Charlotte Church's voice is always a pleasure to hear and while the songs in this movie weren't of the type she really excels in, she still has "the voice of an angel" and her singing alone would have made the film worthwhile. The other principal actors were quite good as well, and it was fun seeing Anthony Head play a low key villain after seeing him for so many years as Buffy's adviser and protector.
Perhaps I have a better DVD than one of the other reviewers, because I found nothing wrong with the sound quality of the film. The acting wasn't up to Academy Award standards, was was quite good, and there were some very funny parts, although some of the "British" comments went over my American head. Charlotte Church's voice is always a pleasure to hear and while the songs in this movie weren't of the type she really excels in, she still has "the voice of an angel" and her singing alone would have made the film worthwhile. The other principal actors were quite good as well, and it was fun seeing Anthony Head play a low key villain after seeing him for so many years as Buffy's adviser and protector.
This may be THE "Feel Good" movie of the year !
fpalamar5 June 2003
This may be THE "Feel Good" movie of the year ! What a great 2003 antidote the 2003 Evening news. The is not a movie for the deep thinking existential philosopher. Aging rocker finds out he has a 16 year old daughter isn't new..but... the whole thing is covered in very familiar,upbeat rock n roll sounds. The audience laughed and cried and laughed some more. We all left humming or whistling the songs. If you liked Craig Ferguson in "Saving Grace" ..go see "I'll Be There"
A Wonderful Family Musical Drama
tabuno18 January 2019
12 October 2010. Before there was a television musical series Glee (2009) and two years after the blockbuster of Moulin Rouge (2001) that made the musical genre comeback and a year after that the Oscar Best Picture Chicago came out, the obscure English movie I'll Be There was released directed and written by Craig Ferguson who would become a major television network late-night talk show host on CBS. This family, drama, musical was a unique fusion of genres that took itself seriously. Mr. Ferguson's performance in contrast to his talk show host persona was not in evidence two years earlier and is a testament to his acting ability to portray a different character without the character types that often slip into an actor's roles on screen.
What makes this movie stand out is its integrity and commitment to developing its characters and storyline with more passion and depth, creating a substantive and compelling movie that sustains a level of interpersonal complexity and tension that is usually reserved for quality movies and avoided by low-budget, knock offs. While perhaps the storyline isn't very original, the script does an amazing job of fleshing out both the drama as well as the humor/comedy that never reaches the slapstick, dumb-downed comedy of mindless stand up comedy. The musical renditions are powerful and the beginning split between two musical scenes is an amazing and captivating opening and quickly captures the audiences attention with emotion.
If one attends to this movie carefully, Ferguson has crafted this movie with excellent editing, unique use of split screen and the interweaving of music with the storyline. The cinematography is actually some of the most well designed and the camera work nicely composed. It's really an amazing piece of work that balances wit, drama, and family entertainment.
In a number of ways, this is a family version of Moulin Rouge for young adults and it contains relevant themes for today's contemporary society that both can resonate for juveniles and parents alike.
What makes this movie stand out is its integrity and commitment to developing its characters and storyline with more passion and depth, creating a substantive and compelling movie that sustains a level of interpersonal complexity and tension that is usually reserved for quality movies and avoided by low-budget, knock offs. While perhaps the storyline isn't very original, the script does an amazing job of fleshing out both the drama as well as the humor/comedy that never reaches the slapstick, dumb-downed comedy of mindless stand up comedy. The musical renditions are powerful and the beginning split between two musical scenes is an amazing and captivating opening and quickly captures the audiences attention with emotion.
If one attends to this movie carefully, Ferguson has crafted this movie with excellent editing, unique use of split screen and the interweaving of music with the storyline. The cinematography is actually some of the most well designed and the camera work nicely composed. It's really an amazing piece of work that balances wit, drama, and family entertainment.
In a number of ways, this is a family version of Moulin Rouge for young adults and it contains relevant themes for today's contemporary society that both can resonate for juveniles and parents alike.
A Nice Surprize
moviechic_Carrie29 January 2004
I had heard nothing of this film until I saw it arrive at the video store. It was a cute movie and the casting was great. I enjoy all of Craig Ferguson's work and he did a wonderful job once again. I don't think acting will be Church's forte nor singing anything other than her main lineup of music (I realized while watching this how different singing styles vary and if they can be pulled off by one person) Catch this film if you enjoy a nice, pleasing film and a good soundtrack.
A unique bit of cinema story-telling.
nj2813 February 2004
I can't remember having ever seen a movie with at least four lives depicted with so few words, with cross-cutting scenes, etc. and with the viewer never once getting lost. A gem of writing, acting and cinematic editing.
Better than I expected
ricksyours19 April 2004
I never got the chance to see the movie while it was in the theaters but I bought the DVD as soon as it came into the stores. I have been a big fan of Charlotte Church since I first heard her "Voice Of An Angel" CD. I was hesitant about her performance as an actor because I didn't want to witness her doing something less than brilliant. I was very pleased. Her acting ability is fabulous. She is definitely a multi talented performer. Bravo Charlotte.
I also loved the story line and scope of the movie. It made me laugh, cry and applaude several times through the movie.
I am very pleased that I bought the DVD. I watch it several times a month.
I also loved the story line and scope of the movie. It made me laugh, cry and applaude several times through the movie.
I am very pleased that I bought the DVD. I watch it several times a month.
The Most Memorable Introduction in History
TomBardeen17 November 2006
I was mesmerized by the music at the beginning of this film. Young Charlotte Church is an Angel from Heaven! I sort music into two categories, forgettable (most), and unforgettable (rare). The voices of Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand, and Charlotte Church should be heard 500 years from now! Truly, Charlotte's singing in the beginning of this movie remains with me in my dreams, and is one of the very most unforgettable moments in music history! Another surprise is Craig Ferguson. Previously, I knew of him only from late night television. There was a competition to take over the Late Late Show, and many actors and comedians competed for the honor of hosting this show. Craig was the funniest and most natural of all the candidates, and I was cheering for him. He was selected, and I try to stay up late just to see him. When I saw this movie title, with Craig's name and photo, I rented it. I did not expect much. His performance, and then, yes, his direction, made me a Craig Ferguson movie fan! Hurray for both Charlotte and Craig in this very entertaining and heartwarming film!
I'll be there - a movie that stays with you long after it finishes and makes.you wish for.more
lippylip2627 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers
27th April 2021
Just rewatched the show again and all I can say is that even having watched it countless times already it has not lost its sparkle or it's joy
I have several scenes that I still love throughout the show and one of my favourites is (who says laughter isn't contagious) when Digger reveals that he is going home to his girl friend and names her
I love that scene both as part of the movie and as the out takes
I kill my self laughing with both sections and afterwards it makes me feel good
Update to the comments below
This is one show I have reviewed time and time again and the reason is pretty obvious
I love the show
New update now June 2020 Have now watched this show more times than I can remember On average about twice a month and every time it gets more and more fresher for me Of the 1,000 DVDs I have in my collection and needed to downsize due to my wife and I moving into a smaller place top of the pile of DVDAs I wanted to take with me was I'LL BE THERE Not to take it I would deem CRIMINAL I JUST LOVE THE SHOW The music The actors The message behind it The wisecracks The comments The laughter All makes this show a show that I will never put down To miss it would be an absolute travesty Watch it
New update 2019 below 2018 What makes this movie a stand out movie is the story itself It has so many important elements in it that makes it a movie that should be watched 1 Ignorance An accident that changes so many peoples lives for the better A misunderstanding that has disastrous consequences for all concerned thanks to someone who is more interested in money than doing what is right A strong friend who leaves his girlfriend to help a friend in need and to help him rehabilitate himself The comunity who rallies around a man they hardly know because he is a loner and keeps very much to himself Through the accident a young talent is uncovered and brought to the fore uniting both father mother grandfather and daughter and true talent is revealed And it all starts with an accident Without that axcident the story would never had united all concerned and a daughter would never have known her father A definite 10/10 for me Watch it You will love it One of my favorite multi times a year movie to watch again and again
2016 When you have watched this show for the 20th time in a year since you got the DVD and you keep getting flashbacks of incidents in the movie all the time it indicates that you like the movie To me it's like a drug Although I know the story through and through it is a beautiful story People.say the are no hidden messages in the movie but when you can find things that relate to.your life it makes it a memorable one In a way it has connections to another movie called Baby on Board And illustrates the dangers of jumping to conclusions before establishing the true facts of the matter Also having people who could not care can ruin a relationship In Baby on Board the miscommunication lasts 9 months and I this one 16 years This is a movie that is well worth watching over and over again Some of the dialogue is fast and snappy and it makes the movie One scene near the end will go over children's head's but adults will catch it quickly
2019 A new point just realised after now watching the show even more multiple times since my last review The comparison between this movie and BABY ON BOARD still remains Assumption is the root of all disasters She assumed that he read the letter about being pregnant and that he had got the letter He thought she just wanted a one night stand or it was just a groupie romance and never pursued her not realising that she had sent a letter saying she was pregnant but his manager messed up big time Even when the manager was told that it was his daughter it went well above his head and all he was interested in was getting her into his stable
After watching it again I picked up something else very important Something I should have picked up viewings ago Dreams can be crushed by other people In this case she had a dream but because her mother felt betrayed by her father her mother discouraged her from pursuing her dream But she had a DREAM and was not prepared to let her mother destroy her dream I can relate to this because the same thing happened to all three of my daughters But just like the daughter here my daughter we t against her own mothers wishes and pursued her dream
So now this show has an extra meaning for me 1) Don't assume ANYTHING. It is important to communicate 2) If you have a dream - GO for it and don't let anyone stop you from achieving it
Two very powerful messages in this movie.
New update now June 2020 Have now watched this show more times than I can remember On average about twice a month and every time it gets more and more fresher for me Of the 1,000 DVDs I have in my collection and needed to downsize due to my wife and I moving into a smaller place top of the pile of DVDAs I wanted to take with me was I'LL BE THERE Not to take it I would deem CRIMINAL I JUST LOVE THE SHOW The music The actors The message behind it The wisecracks The comments The laughter All makes this show a show that I will never put down To miss it would be an absolute travesty Watch it
New update 2019 below 2018 What makes this movie a stand out movie is the story itself It has so many important elements in it that makes it a movie that should be watched 1 Ignorance An accident that changes so many peoples lives for the better A misunderstanding that has disastrous consequences for all concerned thanks to someone who is more interested in money than doing what is right A strong friend who leaves his girlfriend to help a friend in need and to help him rehabilitate himself The comunity who rallies around a man they hardly know because he is a loner and keeps very much to himself Through the accident a young talent is uncovered and brought to the fore uniting both father mother grandfather and daughter and true talent is revealed And it all starts with an accident Without that axcident the story would never had united all concerned and a daughter would never have known her father A definite 10/10 for me Watch it You will love it One of my favorite multi times a year movie to watch again and again
2016 When you have watched this show for the 20th time in a year since you got the DVD and you keep getting flashbacks of incidents in the movie all the time it indicates that you like the movie To me it's like a drug Although I know the story through and through it is a beautiful story People.say the are no hidden messages in the movie but when you can find things that relate to.your life it makes it a memorable one In a way it has connections to another movie called Baby on Board And illustrates the dangers of jumping to conclusions before establishing the true facts of the matter Also having people who could not care can ruin a relationship In Baby on Board the miscommunication lasts 9 months and I this one 16 years This is a movie that is well worth watching over and over again Some of the dialogue is fast and snappy and it makes the movie One scene near the end will go over children's head's but adults will catch it quickly
2019 A new point just realised after now watching the show even more multiple times since my last review The comparison between this movie and BABY ON BOARD still remains Assumption is the root of all disasters She assumed that he read the letter about being pregnant and that he had got the letter He thought she just wanted a one night stand or it was just a groupie romance and never pursued her not realising that she had sent a letter saying she was pregnant but his manager messed up big time Even when the manager was told that it was his daughter it went well above his head and all he was interested in was getting her into his stable
After watching it again I picked up something else very important Something I should have picked up viewings ago Dreams can be crushed by other people In this case she had a dream but because her mother felt betrayed by her father her mother discouraged her from pursuing her dream But she had a DREAM and was not prepared to let her mother destroy her dream I can relate to this because the same thing happened to all three of my daughters But just like the daughter here my daughter we t against her own mothers wishes and pursued her dream
So now this show has an extra meaning for me 1) Don't assume ANYTHING. It is important to communicate 2) If you have a dream - GO for it and don't let anyone stop you from achieving it
Two very powerful messages in this movie.
A very nice British romantic comedy.
TxMike13 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I bought this DVD in the cheap bin just to see Charlotte Church. I am a big fan of her singing and I figured it would be worth $5 to see her in this. What I got was a bigger, very pleasant surprise. This is a nice romantic comedy with well-drawn characters. Plus, young Charlotte shows that she is a very good, natural actress. And, she even does a bit of singing.
The main character is played by Craig Ferguson. He is Paul Kerr, an apparently washed-up, alcoholic rock musician. At the beginning we see him in a sad state, riding his off road motorbike inside his house, up the stairs, and right out the window and into the fountain below. In split screen we see young Olivia (Charlotte Church) practicing a hymn in church with her voice coach, contrasting the lives of Olivia and Paul. This is important as the story develops.
Jemma Redgrave plays Olivia's mum Rebecca. She and a partner run a hair styling business and Rebecca expects her daughter Olivia to join her in the business after she finishes school. But Olivia has no interest in that, she loves to sing.
So, this movie is about the various characters mending their attitudes, and healing old hurts. It is very well done, a very enjoyable movie that never gets dull. Charlotte sings a bit, but only a bit.
SPOILERS FOLLOW. We find out that Paul is really Olivia's father, and this all comes to light after Paul's fall, with everyone fearing he will die. But he is not badly injured. Still, they think he may be suicidal so he is put into a mental ward. Friends pretend to be his family, get him out, but an old musician friend and reformed alcoholic shows up to help Paul kick his habit. In the process he finds out that not only does he have a daughter, but she sings beautifully. Mum was been upset for 16 years because none of her letters were ever answered, but Paul found out that his manager never gave any of them to him. Long story short, Paul stays sober, he and Rebecca realize they have always loved each other, Olivia gets to go to London and study singing.
The main character is played by Craig Ferguson. He is Paul Kerr, an apparently washed-up, alcoholic rock musician. At the beginning we see him in a sad state, riding his off road motorbike inside his house, up the stairs, and right out the window and into the fountain below. In split screen we see young Olivia (Charlotte Church) practicing a hymn in church with her voice coach, contrasting the lives of Olivia and Paul. This is important as the story develops.
Jemma Redgrave plays Olivia's mum Rebecca. She and a partner run a hair styling business and Rebecca expects her daughter Olivia to join her in the business after she finishes school. But Olivia has no interest in that, she loves to sing.
So, this movie is about the various characters mending their attitudes, and healing old hurts. It is very well done, a very enjoyable movie that never gets dull. Charlotte sings a bit, but only a bit.
SPOILERS FOLLOW. We find out that Paul is really Olivia's father, and this all comes to light after Paul's fall, with everyone fearing he will die. But he is not badly injured. Still, they think he may be suicidal so he is put into a mental ward. Friends pretend to be his family, get him out, but an old musician friend and reformed alcoholic shows up to help Paul kick his habit. In the process he finds out that not only does he have a daughter, but she sings beautifully. Mum was been upset for 16 years because none of her letters were ever answered, but Paul found out that his manager never gave any of them to him. Long story short, Paul stays sober, he and Rebecca realize they have always loved each other, Olivia gets to go to London and study singing.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
