Remember McAvoy has a great film called Filth wherein he kills himself right as he has a chance for happiness and it’s too late to save him. Remember that when I tell you this is more depressing.
It is harrowing to see how much these people are disregarded for being from Scotland and how much they hate their lives in Scotland. As the duo gain fame whilst pretending to be American the film does the standard biopic trend of having them lose their way due to drink and drugs. We then see the band breakup and one of the two boys try and kill themselves. Like I said a positive and happy times this is not.
McAvoy steals the scenes he’s in and is a force of nature giving off a Scottish Vinnie Jones type of vibe. As a director he does a component job and manages the pace of the film well, you can see shades of Boyle and later Loach in his style.
Overall, whilst not an enjoyable film due to the subject matter, it is a well made film.
2.5/5
Pros.
The camera work and overall style of the film
The pace
It shines a life on non glamorised Scotland
Cons.
It is depressing
It recycles musical biopic tropes
James Corden
Another Millennial Reviewer 