This is a film with many elements to entice me, as a lover of fine food, admirer of Nigel Slater and fan of British independent cinema. I have been put off watching it till now, though, not being keen on biopics and doubting that there was enough substance to Slater's autobiographical novel to make a full-length feature.
In fact, there probably wasn't, but it didn't matter thanks to strong performances all round. Oscar Kennedy makes a notable début as the 9 year-old Nigel and Ken Stott was made for the part as his emotionally stunted, bullying father; but for me it was Helena Bonham Carter who stole the show as the manipulative, vulgar and mildly toxic Mrs Potter. Freddie Highmore, in his first young-adult role, was good too and carries what feels like a rushed ending well, though the role didn't give him the chance to shine as an actor as he did in the likes of August Rush.
(MILD SPOILER FOLLOWS) The weakness in the screenplay for me was the cut from Slater's childhood to his late adolescence 2/3 of the way through the film. It jarred the continuity and left me wondering what had gone on in the intervening years. From then on I felt the story lost its way, and all sympathy for the protagonist evaporated with his behaviour, which seemed every bit as heartless as his step-mother's. It seemed to me that Slater's intention was to portray how much of a bitch the woman was but, if that's the case then it misfired in my heart.
A thoroughly enjoyable film all the same: whimsical, nostalgic (even for one born in the '80s) and engaging in its own right. One wouldn't have to be aware of who Nigel Slater is to enjoy it.
In fact, there probably wasn't, but it didn't matter thanks to strong performances all round. Oscar Kennedy makes a notable début as the 9 year-old Nigel and Ken Stott was made for the part as his emotionally stunted, bullying father; but for me it was Helena Bonham Carter who stole the show as the manipulative, vulgar and mildly toxic Mrs Potter. Freddie Highmore, in his first young-adult role, was good too and carries what feels like a rushed ending well, though the role didn't give him the chance to shine as an actor as he did in the likes of August Rush.
(MILD SPOILER FOLLOWS) The weakness in the screenplay for me was the cut from Slater's childhood to his late adolescence 2/3 of the way through the film. It jarred the continuity and left me wondering what had gone on in the intervening years. From then on I felt the story lost its way, and all sympathy for the protagonist evaporated with his behaviour, which seemed every bit as heartless as his step-mother's. It seemed to me that Slater's intention was to portray how much of a bitch the woman was but, if that's the case then it misfired in my heart.
A thoroughly enjoyable film all the same: whimsical, nostalgic (even for one born in the '80s) and engaging in its own right. One wouldn't have to be aware of who Nigel Slater is to enjoy it.