1950's. Gawky teenager Ken Riddle (an excellent and engaging performance by Craig Adams) has a wealth of sexual knowledge, but has yet to lose his virginity. Ken is forced to join the workforce after he's thrown out of school for selling explicit drawings to students. At work Ken befriends the rowdy Barry (hunky Aden Young) and clashes with his uptight superior Arthur (a hilariously nerdy turn by a pre-stardom Russell Crowe). Meanwhile, smooth ladies man Max Wiseman (a delightfully dapper portrayal by Martin Sacks) courts Ken's attractive and available mother Gwen (well played by Rhondda Findleton). Director David Elfick, working from a witty script by John Cundill, relates the enjoyable episodic story at a zippy pace, offers a flavorsome evocation of the 50's period setting, maintains an amiable good-natured tone throughout, and astutely captures the awkwardness of adolescence. Moreover, the colorful characters are drawn with great warmth and affection while the humor stays on the right side of cheeky and racy (a visit to a bordello populated by catty and cranky prostitutes provides an uproarious comic highlight). Kudos are also in order for Stephen F. Windon's vibrant cinematography and the terrific golden oldies soundtrack. A real sleeper.
Review of Love in Limbo
