Faintheart (2008)A romantic comedy set in the world of battle re-enactments, about an irresponsible guy who has to shape up in order to win back his wife. Director:Vito Rocco |
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Faintheart (2008)A romantic comedy set in the world of battle re-enactments, about an irresponsible guy who has to shape up in order to win back his wife. Director:Vito Rocco |
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Eddie Marsan | ... |
Richard
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| Ewen Bremner | ... |
Julian
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| Jessica Hynes | ... |
Cath
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| Bronagh Gallagher | ... |
Maggie
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Tim Healy | ... |
Geoff
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| Paul Nicholls | ... |
Gary
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| Anne Reid | ... |
Barbara
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Joseph Hamilton | ... |
Martin
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| Chloe Hesar | ... |
Emily
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Richard Ridings | ... |
Collin
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Gary Sefton | ... |
Vince
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| Kevin Eldon | ... |
Alan
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Sandra Voe | ... |
Julian's Mum
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Matthew Leighton | ... |
Kim
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Tom Smith | ... |
Danny
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In the Midlands, two men and a boy are on losing streaks: Richard has a dead-end job, and his wife leaves him because he's inattentive and has a juvenile obsession for 11th-century battle reenactments. His best friend Julian still lives with mum and divides his obsessions between Vikings and Star Trek. Then there's Richard's son Martin, picked on at school in part because of his father's hobby. Richard vows to win back the heart of his ex, Julian may have met someone online who shares his interests, and Martin wants to stand up to bullies. All get bad advice, which they act on. Is there any hope for any of them? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
I would agree that Faintheart mines a subject matter with rich pickings for parody, but I would stop short at saying that it does so particularly well. Some of the gags are sweet, and the whole ethos of the film is well intentioned, but it is at the end a very predictable romantic comedy with a plot that has been retrodden way too many times. The acting is good, although no real demands are made on any of the actors to show off what they are undoubtedly capable of, and the direction and camera work is also fine, but there is nothing really standout about this film. I wouldn't exactly avoid it, but I certainly haven't gained anything by seeing it either.