Rent Borrowed Time (2012)

Cartoon-ish drama better suited to TV - but worth watching - Borrowed Time review by PV

The first thing to say about this film is 1) it's a state-subsidised British film (BBC/lottery/BFI funding) so I doubt anyone went to see it or that anyone much cares because it got subsidy; 2) it's a simple drama with cartoon 2-dimensional characters so is MUCH better suited to TV than film.

Having said that, I found it enjoyable and it was mercifully short.

The old man played by great actor Phil Davies is a classic character (though in fairness Phil Davies doesn't really look old enough to be so decrepit. And how does he afford a house that must be worth a million on a teacher's salary eh?)

The small boy was great and added humour. Some good gags and dialogue in this.

Less convincing is the kung-fu scouser thug and his sidekick - in real life they'd just stab enemies or beat em up, not be scared off by a girl! And I saw that plot twist coming an hour before it did.

Some lines lifted from Dirty Harry and a plot lifted from Oliver Twist too.

The teenage black gang and the white hooligans acting black is all to true to life - and one reason I no longer live in London, mugging capital of Europe.

So, all in all a fair effort BUT why not make things like this for TV. There is NO NEED for public subsidy to put them on film - they're essentially domestic dramas, and perfect for BBC 2.

3 stars.

But as a character study of an old man, it's great.