Review for Cemetery Junction

Cemetery Junction is an interesting film. Written and Directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, it is a good film, but it doesn't have the bite of their work in The Office and Extras. The film itself is almost a throwback to the classic British films of the Brief Encounter era. However, I love the fact that this film is not all about hitting me with a 'concept' or 'gimmick'over and over again, like other filmmakers cough Edgar Wright cough!

Set in 1970s, Cemetery Junction follows three teenage friends who are trying to find their place in society and in some cases to get out. Freddie is trying to make a better life for himself, joining an insurance company and anyone who's ever done door to door sales will understand the pains he goes through. Bruce is a factory worker, who wants to get out of the town and his father who he sees as a deadbeat drunk. And finally Snork, who's only real goal in life is to get his leg over. Freddie falls for the daughter of his boss (Played scarily by Ralph Fiennes) who is a typically oppressed girl, Julie, who does not want to live the life of a housewife.

The film follows these characters and really the one thing that you may think when the film ends is 'Nothing happens'. This is true. To me, the film, though enjoyable, felt like an episode of a larger series and the lack of action makes the actual film a little pointless. Some scenes are wonderful, especially those including Freddie's Mum and Dad played to perfection by Ricky Gervais and Julia Davis. However, these scenes cannot cover up the fact that nothing happens in this film. The characters meet up, they drink, they go to work, they drink some more, but rather than focus on the bleakness of life (Like Nil by Mouth or other typical British films) it just gives a brief glimpse and then looks away.

If you need a reason to buy this Blu-ray all I need to say is 'Bloopers'. At near fourteen minutes, these outtakes are possibly the funniest I have ever seen. The disk is full of extras, including a very interesting commentary by Gervais and Merchant and these are all worthwhile viewing.

Cemetery Junction is a nice film, but it's not the type of film that will be remembered. It's not the career defining piece of cinema that I expected from Gervais and Merchant and I think because of that it's a little disappointing. However, if you are looking for a simple drama/comedy to pass a few hours then you won't regret a stop at this junction.