I had no idea what to expert with this. I though it may be mumbly Shane Meadows territory or gangsta topboy tosh, neither of which I like or watch if I can help it.
But this is superb. Set in the 80s, which is fine with me and GREAT as there are no mobile phones to ruin plots too, the music is fab - ska and chart hits of then.
Mostly this is AUTHENTIC - you can believe the context and characters' lives. Clearly written - well - by people who have either lived ordinary working lives or who understand them well. I am so sick of privileged privately-educated TV writers/directors writing 'poverty-porn' into scripts, as if they were on safari to see the poor people. This ain;t that. It is REAL.
Yes, it can be a bit cartoon caper at times BUT have you seen TV drama lately? Or Hollywood movies? Yes, the plot esp last act may be less than believable BUT a plot needs 3 acts and plot points, jeopardy and momentum, so fine.
The main actor playing Steve was excellent making his debut. I expect to see more. Other actors excellent too.
4 stars.
I really enjoyed this film - it made me laugh and it was predictably (for me)tragic at times.