Cemetery Junction

If you go into Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's debut feature expecting something shockingly innovative and/or painfully funny - like, say, the duo's own "The Office" and "Extras" - you will probably be disappointed, because that's not what they've accomplished here. However, that's clearly not what they wanted to accomplish, either. They clearly wanted to make a very good coming-of-age film, their own intensely personal version of George Lucas' magisterial "American Graffiti". In this, they have been wildly successful. If you can put aside your expectations, it's a quietly stellar piece of work, humane and gentle. The problem is, even though the themes and situations are deeply felt and universal, and although the film is impeccably written, the fact of the matter is that none of this material will feel particularly new to anyone who has ever seen a coming-of-age film before. And that's a shame, because Gervais and Merchant clearly love their characters and their material, and they tell the heck out of this story. But to someone familiar with their previous work, this lovely little movie that doesn't try to be anything revolutionary can nevertheless only come as a slight disappointment, because "The Office" and "Extras" were perfectly judged, revelatory masterpieces. It's kind of like watching a post-"Guernica" Picasso enter a local arts-and-crafts competition; you know he'll beat the other competitors, but why doesn't he challenge himself? But before you hit the back button, remember: this is still a very, very, very good little movie, and if you can take it for what it is and not get caught up in what you want it to be, you'll most likely love it. But, Ricky and Steve? Aim a little higher next time, hm?

I had a feeling that Cemetary Junction was gonna be a good movie, but after watching it - it was so much greater, brilliant. Perhaps this movie has more meaning/feeling to a young adult because it's about deciding on your future within a short time period (which is one of the most terrifying events in life). This movie is funny (in a British kind of way), witty, and (if you are a young adult) might seem very realistic and depressing with a slight glimmer of hope for an adult life that's fulfilling and exciting. It's a coming-of-age story about the bitter unknown, the fear to leave, wanting to do what will make you happy even though it has a low rate of being prosperous, and the making of final amendments. The acting is also brilliant (very natural) though I had a hard time understanding their British accents (but I really didn't mind that - it made it better). The music selection was also absolutely fantastic. It had the David Bowie version of "All the Young Dudes" (which helped make the movie original). And...it had "The Rain Song" by Led Zeppelin!!!! Man, I totally freaked out when the song played at the end of movie. It really tied the entire movie together - it was all building up to that.

Awesome!

I couldn't even finish this. I saw Ricky Gervais in the image of the cast and immediately said to myself: CREDIBILITY! Literally: I said this in my head several times, then out loud several times. And then the show began.... Here are some questions: Why is everyone speaking as if they're Pikeys from the movie Snatch? Why are we trying to blend somber indie drama--you know, where everyone is poor and sad all the time--with a British version of &^*! like Superbad? Why is Ricky Gervais, one of the funniest people on the planet, playing a serious role? Ricky, no one in their right mind would ever buy you as a badass (not even with the assistance of certain chains's 'everyday low prices!'). It doesn't matter how many sparks fly asunder as you execute a blue-collar operation at what machine the cameras have chosen to keep secret from us, the disenfranchised. You hear that? You disenfranchised me! [end scene]

I wasn't sure what to expect in a movie from Gervais & Merchant. I didn't like Ricky's character at all but the young characters were great. It was a good story that a lot of younger people can relate to. We seem to be very different from our parents' generation. We want to broaden our horizons and see the world. Some of us don't want to settle down into something we hate just because it seems the right thing to do.

Beautifully made British coming-of-age story. The three young leads (really four, as Felicity Jones is luminous) all deliver touching, funny and dramatic performances. Merchant and Gervais have stepped away from the irony of their much-garlanded tv work to a more nostalgic tone here in a movie with lovingly made cinematic vision and real heart. Ralph Fiennes and Emily Watson are superb as always. The stories are somewhat predictable but it was enjoyable to see them unfold. A much more visually stimulating film than either of Gervais' previous films, let's hope these two excellent writer-directors continue their partnership for many years to come. Can't wait to see what they do next.

They definitely didn't in this movie! Humorous at times, but a wonderful coming of age movie. I didn't think it was predictable and the characters were well developed and believeable! I highly recommend it!

Very well thought out storyline with great character development. Very enjoyable and worth seeing.

Hijklmnop this movie is as cool as me weeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TooT TooT

Totally predictable, stock characters. Still, it's well-acted and fun to look at. Def. a renter, and not a keeper.