Straight off the bat 'Travellers' is a cheap looking and sounding affair. If that isn't your bag then save your time watching. If you can't see this was shot on digital video from the off then you probably need glasses. Should that ruin your enjoyment? No... But the weaker parts of the script, inconsistent acting from some of the players and occasional plot hole may.
However, stick with it. If these guys made this with nothing they certainly end it with something, something good.
The second half of this movie had me glued to the seat. I'd got used to the shaky cam style and low quality audio and by the time the fight sequence kicks off (one of the best fight sequences I've seen in UK film for a long time) this film makes some impact.
The fight itself is expertly handled, no silly Guy Ritchie over stylisation or edits so tight that lose the geography of the scene. This was straight, smacks to the face. The authenticity of the fight seemed spot on, and very real, to a point where I questioned if moments weren't?
The Travellers are handled stereotypically at first but to good effect, as horror villains then their characters slowly pulled back, showing a much more complex sense of honour and brotherhood within their group. You will route for them before the end. This is guaranteed by the behaviour of city- boy nut case Andy Baxtor, played well by Tom Geoffrey.
The lead, former gypsy turned city-boy Chris (Shane Sweeney) is a likable character despite his buried desire to hit people, and is also performed well and subtly despite the scripts sledge-hammer approach to story telling.
It's the the brother and sister act of Traveller Martin (Dean Jagger) and his sister Lucy (Celia Muir) who steal the show. Considering the mixed bag of talent on screen its a small blessing they had these actors holding it together. The screen presence of Jagger is captivating.
Director Kris McManus holds it all together and really gains control of his movie during act 3.
I expect this lot are new to film-making, and it shows at times, but I hope they continue to do what there doing. just maybe spend a little more time and a lot more money!
I'd give this a better rating if the production value had been just a little higher. Worth a watch.
*****
However, stick with it. If these guys made this with nothing they certainly end it with something, something good.
The second half of this movie had me glued to the seat. I'd got used to the shaky cam style and low quality audio and by the time the fight sequence kicks off (one of the best fight sequences I've seen in UK film for a long time) this film makes some impact.
The fight itself is expertly handled, no silly Guy Ritchie over stylisation or edits so tight that lose the geography of the scene. This was straight, smacks to the face. The authenticity of the fight seemed spot on, and very real, to a point where I questioned if moments weren't?
The Travellers are handled stereotypically at first but to good effect, as horror villains then their characters slowly pulled back, showing a much more complex sense of honour and brotherhood within their group. You will route for them before the end. This is guaranteed by the behaviour of city- boy nut case Andy Baxtor, played well by Tom Geoffrey.
The lead, former gypsy turned city-boy Chris (Shane Sweeney) is a likable character despite his buried desire to hit people, and is also performed well and subtly despite the scripts sledge-hammer approach to story telling.
It's the the brother and sister act of Traveller Martin (Dean Jagger) and his sister Lucy (Celia Muir) who steal the show. Considering the mixed bag of talent on screen its a small blessing they had these actors holding it together. The screen presence of Jagger is captivating.
Director Kris McManus holds it all together and really gains control of his movie during act 3.
I expect this lot are new to film-making, and it shows at times, but I hope they continue to do what there doing. just maybe spend a little more time and a lot more money!
I'd give this a better rating if the production value had been just a little higher. Worth a watch.
*****