The Pebble and the Boy (2021) User Reviews

Mod film, nope!

[marks700 · 5/10 · 5 December 2021]

As an old mod, I looked forward to this.

However, Quadrophenia it isn't. Not even near it. Neither is it a future cult classic. It's a pretty average film. The acting isn't too bad for the most part but it doesn't reach the real mod feel.

If you're gonna reach out to mods, make a film that gives them what they want. Proper mod gear, proper styling because that's what's important to mods.

Soundtrack could have been better too.

Overall, pretty average.

Mod inspired

[BandSAboutMovies · 5/10 · 17 November 2021]

Directed and written by Chris Green (Me, Myself and Di; Strangeways Here We Come), The Pebble and the Boy is a mod-influenced comedy starring Patrick McNamee, Sacha Parkinson, Max Boast (Sex Education), Ricci Harnett, Jesse Birdsall and most familiar to American audiences, Patsy Kensit (Lethal Weapon 2, Shelter Island).

The film's protagonist, John, is taking his father's ashes from Manchester to Brighton, the spiritual home of the mods, riding his dad's Lambretta scooter. With a title taken from a Paul Weller song and music by Weller, The Style Council, Secret Affair, the Chords, The Electric Stars, Wintergreen, Jennifer Knowles and Casino, Sammie Harris and SPINNER, this is a great sounding movie. It also finds Paul growing up, learning the truth about his family and maybe winning over Nicki (Sacha Parkinson), a girl he meets in his travels.

Maybe the mod culture doesn't translate to our shores, but regardless, I had plenty of fun watching this. I won't be buying a scooter, but I may be listening to the soundtrack a few times.

Could have been so much better

[jaykayshat · 2/10 · 17 November 2021]

Been waiting for this to come out ever since it was announced. It wasn't worth the wait. Music was ok and great to see the mod clothing and scooters but the acting is atrocious. The bloke that was Carlton Leach in Rise of the Footsoldier is so bad that I nearly turned it off, he must be trying to compete with Danny Dyer for the worst Cockney bad acting award. I wasted 10 pounds on Apple TV for this.

A bit limp.

[casinclair · 2/10 · 15 September 2021]

Sorry, I don't get the 10/10 thing. Must be me. It failed as a road movie, just not enough road shots and those that were there were clearly at about 5 mph in a park, too many convenient coincidences eased their path. The premise was fine, but too many angst ridden teenager shots. The final denouement was painful and, frankly, a bit cruel.

The Kensit attempted seduction thing. Dearie me.

Nice music, but not enough made of it. Sorry, not for me.

Will never get those two hours back

[bri_baker · 1/10 · 6 October 2021]

The "pebble" acted the "boy" (and the rest of the cast) off the screen. Poorly acted, sloppy narrative, nothing to recommend this film.

Two stroke memories

[gcotterill-84961 · 10/10 · 27 August 2021]

Went in very open minded and came out full of nostalgic tears full of the mod revival of 1979 which personally is me , memories came flooding back not only of the style but the superb sounds cracking little story which came across so stylish and with humour, I thank you for taking me back to my youth for which I love so much happy mod .

Pretty bad

[iamchrisallan · 2/10 · 10 September 2022]

I am sorry to have to say that this is a pretty bad film on so many levels.

I was curious about the film as I am on old mod. I even donated to the crowd funding project to help it get made. This has nothing to do with my criticism of the film. Its just not a good piece of cinema. I was very disappointed with the outcome. To be honest I am not even sure how I managed to watch to the end.

The writing is the main problem, the story is awful and it!s very cheesy. There are lots of unfeasible plot turns and the tale becomes less and less feasible as the film unwinds. To say that the acting is not great being kind and the continuity is shot through with holes. It's clear that certain labels paid to have their brands featured and the product placement stands out like a sore thumb.

I have no idea how some people have given this a 10/10. Let's be honest, even Quadrophenia is not a 10 out of 10 film and this is no Quadrophenia.

Nice Lambretta though.

Sadly this was probably someone's passion project. We'll done fo getting it made. Making a film is not easy. Unfortunately this one didn't hit the target (pun intended).

Awful

[theatomsplits · 1/10 · 6 November 2022]

A terrible film in almost every respect. I was looking forward to watching it but it seems like I fell into the trap of falling for the good reviews without reading all of them! The only positive I can think of was the soundtrack, but I'd suggest people make themselves a 2 hour playlist of the Jam or Style Council and listen to that instead. I can't imagine what they thought when they watched it back after the final edit. I'm surprised Paul Weller allowed any of his music to remain in it. I know Quadrophenia has its issues but why is it so difficult to make a 'mod' film without it turning into a shocker like this. A truly awful film.

Pretty bad

[govinda22 · 2/10 · 19 September 2022]

I wasnt expecting quadrophenia again but this was awful. Bad acting, over repeating we are the mods, to make it 'mod like'. Bad accents to make it more 'moddy' lol. Really bad. Cheesy and not in a good way. Dont watch it. Its wannabee nottatobe. Patsy kensit mrs robinson scene is cringey and unbelievable. Only decentish actor is main lad and thats because theres not many to compare to in this film. Honestly, its really shockingly bad. Shame really, could have been good if executed right. Its just trying too hard to be 'mod', and why do they portray old mods to be loaded or well off? Disappointing unbelievable film.

Very over rated

[wam2510 · 2/10 · 13 March 2023]

What a disaster and a major disappointment. I only watched it because its British and it has 4-stars on Amazon Prime.

The acting was very poor. The story was very poor. I've seen better acting at a nativity show at a school. I really can not explain how bad this film is.

In the film description it says 'Comedy' ,,, seriously this is any more than 10 seconds of comedy. It also says 'Suspense',,, I've seen more suspense sat in KFC.

What beats me is how can anyone give this film a good review. Its terrible.

I don't usually give reviews unless it's a really good film, but because this film is so bad I felt like I had to say something.

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME.

A wonderful film

[jonathancarl-02472 · 10/10 · 28 August 2021]

What a lovely heartwarming film. If you are into the mod culture or not, you will love the characters in this film, especially Sacha Parkinson who shines in every scene she is in.

It is hard to believe that this is a micro-budget film due to the excellent cast and superb cinematography that has you immersed in the story of the boy coming to terms with the passing of his father.

A feel-good road trip with an excellent soundtrack will have Paul Weller and The Jam fans smiling from ear to ear!

Go and see this on the big screen whilst you have the chance, you will remember it for a long time.

Tripe

[fletch-440-105135 · 3/10 · 21 November 2021]

Really wanted to like this but it was absolute cringe, the only half decent was the sound track. Some of the acting was quite appalling, I thought the young girl did the best job.

Don't expect a classic

[bigmarty-62779 · 1/10 · 28 August 2021]

***I'm sorry, but anyone giving this a 10/10 is either involved with the film, or they don't get out much***

Watchable is the best description I can give.

I wasn't expecting much, and wasn't disappointed, as it didn't deliver much.

It'll kill a couple of hours if you've got an interest in the scooter scene or the music.....but don't expect Quadrophenia or This is England.

It gets a 2/10 from me, and only gets a 2 for the scooters involved.

Only for the soppy mod squad.

[radhrh · 3/10 · 16 November 2021]

The soppy mod squad get all sentimental riding around on their lawn mower engined child's toys and give this distinctly average offering a perfect 10/10.

Meanwhile, back in the real world....

There is just so much terribly wrong with this movie from the brand new patches on the protagonist's dad's parka to the 5mph top speed of the scooters. The soundtrack is lame AF, the amateur dramatics "acting" is embarrassing, the mistaken belief that Brighton is "mod meca" ( I lived in Brighton for a year and never saw a mod ), the lazy script and general repetitive nature of the plot; every time the protagonists encounter a set back some kind soul helps them out. It all adds up to a soul destroying mash up of a movie that everyone involved should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves for making.

Light, funny and heartwarming

[sgs-56902 · 9/10 · 30 August 2021]

I really enjoyed this. It's a light, coming of age tale which invokes distant memories of Quadrophenia but only by association. The crux of the tale is a road trip undertaken by John to scatter his father's ashes at Brighton beach. He is aided by the feisty Nicki, brilliantly portrayed by Sacha Parkinson who adds some real class and comic timing to the proceedings. Jessie Birdsall also has a pivotal and poignant cameo. The music isn't as prominent as I would've liked but the story and the little mysteries uncovered along the way made for an enjoyable movie.

A future cult classic!

[parnill · 10/10 · 27 August 2021]

It's always a gamble when you choose to watch a micro budget movie but once again the writer/director, Chris Green, punches well above his weight.

The Pebble and the Boy is a beautifully shot film with a mix of nostalgia with a modern twist, a strong female lead and a sound track to die for.

We'll worth a watch.

Enjoyable film, worth a watch

[ktee-60222 · 9/10 · 29 August 2021]

I enjoyed watching this film, I found it funny and enjoyed the subject matter as I love all things mod and love the Jam and Paul Weller. I would have liked more music tracks to be played throughout the film, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend if you are a mod fan.

A must-see

[zchadfr · 10/10 · 28 August 2021]

The perfect time for the perfect film to be released!

Enjoyable Road Movie.

[gavin-91692 · 10/10 · 28 August 2021]

Great fun film with strong female lead character in Sacha Parkinson. Brings back memories of misfiring scooters and great music, well worth a night out!

Phew! Not another Quadrophenia wannabe!

[tanya-duffy · 9/10 · 20 September 2021]

I always have reservations when a new Mod film is released, they always try to be the next Quadrophenia and fail miserably! Pleased to say, this is not one of those films and I loved it!

Set in today's times with a simple feel good plot, this film has all the makings of being a true British Classic!

From start to finish the loveable characters take you on a heartwarming emotion journey to Brighton.

Watch out for these great new young actors, they should go far!

Finally it was great to see the lovely Jesse Birdsall (an old crush from 'The Fear' & 'Eldorado' days). I hope to see more of you soon!!

Anyway that's it for now... go see it NOW!

Superb film ....sit back and enjoy the ride !

[johnray5 · 10/10 · 31 August 2021]

To say I enjoyed this film is an understatement

• I loved it !

It has everything a good story, with strong characters, it is well acted and beautifully shot.

As a mod since 1979, I loved seeing the classic scooters and hearing the great tunes throughout.

The chemistry and banter between the two lead roles was believable and kept me hooked and their 'tag along mate', Logan added additional humour.

The story was a bitter-sweet poignant tale with unexpected twists, peppered with funny moments. It's a road movie on classic scooters and the audience is taken on a voyage of discovery along with John, the central character.

As an ex-TV producer I really appreciated the beautiful filming throughout and in particular the scenes in and around Brighton.

10 out of 10 for all involved with this lovely film.

...and you don't have to be a mod or know anything about the mod movement, to enjoy this superb film.... just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Enjoyable and easy watching!

[hsgbjrpf · 10/10 · 28 August 2021]

Really enjoyed this film a pleasure to watch and memories come flooding back! 👏👏👏👏

The Boy and the Girl road trip

[dlbblades · 10/10 · 23 November 2021]

Some great tunes and an excellent cast makes this a really enjoyable road trip film. A Sunday afternoon feel good film, enjoyable from start to finish. Try not to think of this along the lines of quadrophenia and you will enjoy it. A pretty basic story that rides along stylishly with lots of familiar faces along the way. Don't bother listening to the bad reviews and make your own mind up. Oh and everyone knows Brighton is the go to capital of Mods young and old. (Skinhead reviewer)

Feel good film with mirrors

[il-18749 · 10/10 · 2 September 2021]

A good coming of age film . Very believable characters , good story line ,great soundtrack and lots of mirrors on scooters .

Nostalgic

[goodalan-82191 · 10/10 · 18 November 2021]

Good movie, anyone giving this movie a low rating has no idea about movie making. It was original and nostalgic. Showing how life was in the World of mods and rockers.