Director: Mat Whitecross
Cast: Elliott Tittensor, Emilia Clarke, Matthew McNulty, Nico Mirallegro
Running time: 96 minutes
Plot: Between trying to finish their demo tape and chatting up girls, 5 Manchester lads get together to try and sneak their way onto Spike Island, with one thing in mind – to get into the infamous The Stone Roses gig.
With SPIKE ISLAND being placed in the LFF ‘Sonic’ category, and with Mat Whitecross (SEX & DRUGS & ROCK’N’ROLL) at the helm, you’re guaranteed an unapologetic, manic party for your ears. That’s exactly what this film delivers, in the form of a pounding, overwhelming 1990s soundtrack, populated by the plot’s main focus: The Stone Roses.
Gary aka Tits (Tittensor) and Dodge (Mirallegro) – best friends since forever. Along with the the other guys in their band, the boys have three things on their minds: getting their demo finished, getting girlfriends and getting into The Stone Roses gig, which is to be held on Cheshire’s Spike Island. Only problem is that the gig sold out over a month ago and they can’t get hold of any tickets…not even one. Along with Tits’ dad’s crippling cancer and his absent brother (McNulty), things don’t look so good. That is until Sally (Clarke) and her girl-friends (including MISFITS’ Antonia Thomas) grace the boys with their presence and try and help them get their hands on some passes.
Although full of funny, ‘typical’ teenage behaviour (using paint to trash their school gym, stealing a van and running out of fuel) and some quick-witted quips from the boys, SPIKE ISLAND tries a little too hard. While plucking out the best of young British talent, it looks as if the casting director has just referenced MISFITS and THIS IS ENGLAND (Thomas and McNulty star in the former, Michael Socha in the latter). It may want to emulate two of Channel Four’s biggest hits, but it lacks the emotional depth of TIE and the genuine jokes of MISFITS.
However, Tittensor manages to take the lead and keep the pace going, even throughout the slower, more sombre moments. Paired with Mirallegro (out of all the male characters, you may favour him the most (for a little while)), their friendship seems believable and they deal well with the ups and downs of teenage friendship. Although the theme of cancer seems almost shallow and unnecessary, it gives Tittensor a chance to show off his full emotional range. That being said, SPIKE ISLAND is entertaining for Stone Roses fans and virgins, alike.
SPIKE ISLAND is released on June 21st in the UK.
