A dark British comedy about a band breaking into the music industry surely centres on Human Traffic-style sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll? Not Powder. It has more sober plans for Northern indie boys The Grams (soundtracked by ’oos miserablists Starsailor), whose song is stolen by a talentless wannabe reminiscent of Mika. No wonder tortured songwriter Keva (Liam Boyle) is so overwrought he breaks news of a record deal with the same enthusiasm as you announce the start of Corrie. Alfie Allen’s useless Kevin & Perry-esque manager gets the laughs, while Ralf Little’s Ibiza-dwelling Rasta is a revelation. But the staggered mood of this adaptation makes it hard to know whether first-time director Mark Elliott wants us to laugh or cry.
Powder Review
Lead singer of indie upstarts The Grams, Keva (Boyle) struggles with the demands of his new-found success. The band's hopeless manager Wheezer (Allen) isn't helping.
Release Date:
26 Aug 2011
Running Time:
104 minutes
Certificate:
15
Original Title:
Powder
Some solid scenes but it's never quite sure if it's 24 Hour Party People or Control, and doesn't get close to either.
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