Submarine [DVD]

Richard Ayoade's directorial debut is a sure footed film with a quirky style that suggests he has a great future ahead of him in the cinema. Set in Wales in the late eighties, it presents a largely realistic and well observed slice of teen life. Following the adventures of natural social outcast Oliver, played exceptionally well by Craig Roberts, as he grows up.

Oliver is an odd sort of chap, who half lives in his own fantasy world. His world is thrown up in the air when he starts to suspect his parent's marriage might not be as strong as he thought. In his own way he goers about investigating matters and trying to fix things. Along the way he meets Jordana, who is even more messed up. The pair form a strong alliance as they try to deal with the world around them. The story follows their friendship and romance as Oliver struggles to learn how to relate to others.

It is a largely touching movie, full of excellent and naturalistic performances from the young actors. Ayoade has a light and sure touch, never really overdoing the melodrama, and mixing the tragic with the hilariously funny. Backed by a great soundtrack from Alex Turner, which literally hits just the right note throughout, this is a light and refreshing piece of intelligent cinema that will appeal to a wide audience.

A very British film with a very British, quirky sense of humour, courtesy of first-time director Richard Ayoade. Oliver Tate is an individual boy with a passion for expanding his vocabulary, who hilariously exhibits the teenage concoction of arrogance and insecurity. Along with suffering the usual perils of school life, Oliver also has bigger issues to contend with. Firstly, the declining health of the mother of his enigmatic love interest, and second, the dwindling passion amid the dying relationship between his parents. The story follows Oliver in his quest to find solutions to both these problems.

'Submarine' features wonderful cinematography, making the most of the raw beauty of the Welsh setting. Complementing this is a superb soundtrack by Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys fame, which could not have been better suited to the picture.

Anyone who enjoys alternative British film will revel in Ayoade's creation. The direction includes some clever hypothetical scenes, such as where Oliver fantasizes over the grieving ranks of relatives, friends and schoolgirls at his own funeral. In fact there are so many laugh-out-loud moments, with each member of the cast delivering the goods. One of the most likeable characters is Noah Taylor's role as Oliver's father, a depressive marine biologist who knows the number of the pothole helpline by heart. If this sounds in any way humorous to you, then you should absolutely watch this film.

Even though this is a very recent movie, I have to admit that it has made it's way into my top ten films of all time.

Submarine, may not be everyone's cup of tea and I have been a bit disappointed when people have said they "don't get it" or "it doesn't go anywhere" after I've recommended it.

The movie is very different from the book. Oliver is less obnoxious and kinder in the film and there are a lot of changes, parts removed and also made up, but saying that, adaptations of books will always be like this; that said Ayoade has done a fantastic job.

I think it's a combination of things that makes the movie so perfect to me. The way it's been filmed is gorgeous, the camera work is fantastic and I love the dullness of colour. It definatley comes through that Ayoade is a huge fan of French Cinema and the way this is subtely brought through the cinematography is wonderfully done.

The acting is brilliant; Craig Roberts' (Oliver) early career was on the UK children's television show Tracy Beaker - He has come on a long way since then and I can happily say the lad can really act now! Yasmin Paige (Jordana), also appeared on a UK Children's television series (The Sarah Jane Adventures), but at least the acting quality in that series was far superior. Noah Taylor and Sally Hawkins who play Oliver's parents are superb as are Melanie Walters and Sion Tudor Owen who briefly appear as Jordana's parents during a particularly heart wrenching moment.

I feel very nostalgic watching this film; even though there are many modern elements to it, there is also something very 1980's about it at the same time. For me I also feel a sense of comfort and could quite happily watch it every night to lull me off into a nice sleep.

Submarine is like a beautiful little parcel; packed full of goodies, looks amazing and is perfectly wrapped up with a truly beautiful soundtrack by The Arctic Monkeys front man, Alex Turner.

The best word I could use to describe Richard Ayoade is genius; he is a perfectionist and I can't wait to see what other films he has in store for us in the future.