One For The Road (2004) Movie Review

The setting for this sharp, subversive comedy is a rehabilitation program for those convicted of drink - driving, comprising a group of very different guys who become united by their plan to sell a property to an older, richer attendee of the meetings. The discussion of sales tactics also provides them with a convenient excuse to go to their local pub, The Palm Tree, every night. Along the way we learn more about how they came to be in their present situation, as well as discovering whether they are successful in their mission.

The opening is a belter. It has no context as yet, but still pulls you straight into the story with some deft visuals and a thumping bass line – before dropping you back at ‘the beginning’.

Some of the biggest laughs are to be had within the confines of the group meetings, where the story kicks off, with patronising Ian, head of their group, trying to fill their heads full of snappy phrases to help them resist the sweet liquor, (“Don’t just stare up the steps, step up the stairs!”). Following which, they head straight for the boozer for a liquid lunch, concluding, “That was boring, just like school.”

The feel in these sessions is comparable to TV show “The Office”, that’s not to say it’s derivative, just that the psuedo - documentary style is, at points reminiscent of it’s brand of humour, and that’s a good thing, because it’s absolutely sore - sides hilarious. No kidding, this is a deeply funny film.

There’s a scene where attendees are asked to draw “the last time you felt really good,” which is painfully amusing, along with the role - plays, where their inner thesp can get a work-out. Other situations that generate immense humour are at the paintball outing (drink-drivers vs juvenile car thieves), and in their own domestic situations, although these are also tinged with sadness. It’s not essentially a melancholy film though; it just gently reminds you sometimes that it’s not all fun and games. Families are torn apart, jobs lost, people let down. And then there’s the brewer’s droop.

Also really impressive, (for a first time full - length director, too!) is the visual impact, especially in getting across to its audience the level of the group’s inebriation with some fancy pants image blurring and stop - starting, frame - jumping techniques. You get to see the world through sozzled eyes without even touching a drink. Neither drinking to excess, nor drink driving are glamourised here though, on the contrary we are laughing at them, not with them most of the time. Richard, the target of their sales pitch, is essentially a wide - boy who made it big. He initially veers between sleazy and unpleasant, so you don’t really blame them for trying to take advantage of the situation.

The acting is superb, without ever being too showy, and the fact that each character has their own unique quirks and weaknesses means the performances are as memorable as the jokes. On the subject of memorable, the final scenes will likely be the ones you’ll try to explain to your mates in the pub - tell them to come and see for themselves instead.

This movie comes highly recommended. Don’t see it because it’s British, see it because it is a well crafted and belly achingly funny look at an often - prickly subject.

Brilliant.