Hopeless it ain't

By Nick Grant

Hopeless. Cert M - Suitable for persons 16 & over. Opens April 27. Reviewed by Nick Grant.

On the evidence of this first offering from Larry Parr's 'no-budget' slate, the scheme appears to be a case of bugger-all money extremely well spent.
While Hopeless does not — by any stretch of the imagination — represent an advancement of the art of moviemaking, either technically or content-wise, it's a competent debut by helmer Stephen Hickey that is particulary noteworthy for some nifty dialogue from co-scripter Sean Molloy, and the introduction of a bunch of refreshingly fresh-faced talent who deliver generally appealing, unassuming and amusing performances.
A clever trailer that to the best of my knowledge coins "noughties" as a description of the decade in which we now live ('00s; noughties, naughties — geddit?) could well pull young punters through theatre doors.
Given its relatively static shooting style and dialogue-heavy nature (not that the dialogue itself is heavy, mind — on the contrary, for the most part it demonstrates a lightness of touch), Hopeless' real calling is as a satisfying video rental.
Given budget limitations and the fact that the film was originally shot on DVCam, DP Simon Riera does a particularly good job in creating visual interest, while art director Guy Cottrell gives the production a distinctly Wellington flavour. Meanwhile, editors Andrew Berttell and Jonno Woodford-Robinson do much to contribute to the film's paciness.

© Copyright Onfilm magazine April 2000

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