I was a teen in the 80's and watched live artists regular, Madonna, Duran Duran, Wham, Micheal Jackson etc and then in to the 90's I was watching Stone Roses, R.E.M, Pulp etc and I was expecting life to keep churning out great bands and this is where this film kicks in. In era's of great music the 21st Century and it technology has made things quite boring...Hence Modern Life is Rubbish and a lot of people watching this can see where the main character is coming from . Its a British film and a bit gritty but you feel the chemistry between the two main stars. He looks like a rock star ( dark and moody) and she is that pretty girl next door with a smile that makes your day worth while. My only problem with this film is that there are so many good songs in this film and no Soundtrack album to buy, which is a bit ironic. So watch (and listen) and enjoy.
14 Reviews
Overdramatic
samwise_4 June 2020
There are some things of this film you can enjoy, but for the most part it's just a bit overdramatic.
It could have worked better if they had chosen a lighter style, maybe focusing on the main couple's chemistry in a better way, concentrating on their positive vibes rather than their negativity, which is sometimes too overwelming.
The way Liam acts is not so realistic, in my opinion. I mean, we are in the real world and nobody, even the most desperate musicians/artists, behave and think like he does for most of the screen time.
The confusing timeline was also strange and a little confusing, you have to try better as a director/screenwriter if you wanna base a movie on different times of the same story.
The music was great.
I kind of enjoyed this film, don't get me wrong, but it could have been so much better, and I hate missed opportunities to build a great flick to be remembered.
It could have worked better if they had chosen a lighter style, maybe focusing on the main couple's chemistry in a better way, concentrating on their positive vibes rather than their negativity, which is sometimes too overwelming.
The way Liam acts is not so realistic, in my opinion. I mean, we are in the real world and nobody, even the most desperate musicians/artists, behave and think like he does for most of the screen time.
The confusing timeline was also strange and a little confusing, you have to try better as a director/screenwriter if you wanna base a movie on different times of the same story.
The music was great.
I kind of enjoyed this film, don't get me wrong, but it could have been so much better, and I hate missed opportunities to build a great flick to be remembered.
Nice film, not a classic, but worth a look IMO...
kevcoe17 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
OK. Very few spoilers here and if there are some, they will be rather vague, so read on with confidence. ;o)
Its a romantic drama with nice performances from some likeable actors. Basically a couple of young people fall in love thanks to their passionate love of music, both a bit pretentious, then as the years go on, one of them grows up a bit and the other doesn't and it kills their relationship. And then... well, I won't tell you.
Josh Whitehouse and Freya Mavor are both excellent. Fine young actors who deserve a big break into the mainstream sometime soon. Ms Mavor is the more likeable character (Nat), though... Mr Whitehouse (Liam) is basically, an a-hole throughout much of the film, pretentious, constantly on the attack for no good reason at all and talking crap throughout... but I quite liked him because he reminded myself of ME when I was young and in a band in the 90's! Yup, I was once that guy. Aw, the follies of youth, eh...
What let me down about this film was the ending, which I won't spoil for you... let's just say it all went a bit 'Four Weddings And A Funeral'...
Oh, and Ian Hart, in his brief appearances, is superb, especially his last scene!
In summary, it's a nice enough flick (with some great tunes played throughout!) but could have been a little better... give it a go, though, eh? Hope you like it!
Its a romantic drama with nice performances from some likeable actors. Basically a couple of young people fall in love thanks to their passionate love of music, both a bit pretentious, then as the years go on, one of them grows up a bit and the other doesn't and it kills their relationship. And then... well, I won't tell you.
Josh Whitehouse and Freya Mavor are both excellent. Fine young actors who deserve a big break into the mainstream sometime soon. Ms Mavor is the more likeable character (Nat), though... Mr Whitehouse (Liam) is basically, an a-hole throughout much of the film, pretentious, constantly on the attack for no good reason at all and talking crap throughout... but I quite liked him because he reminded myself of ME when I was young and in a band in the 90's! Yup, I was once that guy. Aw, the follies of youth, eh...
What let me down about this film was the ending, which I won't spoil for you... let's just say it all went a bit 'Four Weddings And A Funeral'...
Oh, and Ian Hart, in his brief appearances, is superb, especially his last scene!
In summary, it's a nice enough flick (with some great tunes played throughout!) but could have been a little better... give it a go, though, eh? Hope you like it!
Rubbish
smileykate1 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
My original rating for this film, was a 6. On further reflection I've come to the decision that that was too kind. One of the main problems I had with this film was that I found myself not really caring about their relationship. We all know that Nat is better off without Liam, who is incredibly annoying throughout the film. Liam, who is obsessed with Radiohead, becomes offended when a potential love interest calls them "pretentious and depressing". I thought that this was a perfect way to describe Liam himself, whose disdane for 'modern life' becomes repetitive and makes you want to bang your head against a wall. The main highlight of this film, for sure, has to be the the performance of Ian Hart. Although his part is small and under appreciated, his portrayal of Curve brings the humour so desperately needed to retain your interest. Nat finally leaves Liam after he embarrasses her in front of her boss and potential clients. After much moping on Liam's behalf, he at last comes to the realisation that he's been unfair to Nat and should have tried harder to make things work. Turns out that all he needed was a haircut. I will say that the relationship is more believable when the two are apart, looking back over their relationship, than they are together. As a hopeless romantic, I will say that the little scrapbook Liam makes for Nat is sweet and thoughtful, finally showing how much she means to him. Liam's character development, although rushed at times, helps the film find its happy ending. Overall, a forgettable romantic drama that takes more than it gives.
A simple feel good British film
jasonblyth16 October 2018
For what it was I really liked this film. It had a little bit of a slow start but I really got invested into the couples life after about 30 minutes.
It had a Fantastic soundtrack
(especially if you were born in the late 80's / early 90's).
It didn't stray to far from the main storyline, if you liked 500 days of summer you'd probably like this film.
Modern Life better than this film.
mark_doyle-0776611 August 2018
There is no joy or whit in this film and the characters are not in the slightest bit likable.
But it does go to show that if your a looser, being in a band will get you some female attention !
A good idea, wrong application. There are better films about break ups and music out there.
But it does go to show that if your a looser, being in a band will get you some female attention !
A good idea, wrong application. There are better films about break ups and music out there.
Good film
laurahmills1 January 2020
Good Film of it's Type - Low IMDB Score is Not Reflective Again
Vils19 February 2019
I stumbled across this whilst in a 'record shop' mode. It is a good film of it's type if you like music, record shops and relationship dynamics.
A few niggly bits (including the ending) but the low IMDB score is not reflective again - so I have given it an extra star.
Good movie
stephanyjairah26 May 2018
Absolutely stunning
charlottebetteridge-9348123 September 2018
I love love love this film. I love the music, I love the acting, I love the way its directed. The chemistry between the actors is exquisite. I've watched it 4 times in 48 hours. I also hate romcoms. It's just half a generation off me, I also have a lot of mates in bands and totally get his passion. I just love Head Cleaner's music, I'd buy their album!
Great film
saulyb13 May 2018
A Must See
alangill-2711511 September 2018
Inspirational music lovers romance
davidsamueltress19 July 2022
Exceptional plot, well acted and an amazing soundtrack one of the best films I have seen in a very long time! The story is captivating and it's reminiscent of high fidelity only better! Love the nods too the British rock scene!
Relatable af
shereenreda27 January 2021
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