​FILMS

god help the girl

God Help the Girl (Musical/Drama/Comedy): 55 out of 100: I love a great musical but this isn't one of them. Most of the songs have a sameness about them...gentle pop melodies that aren't really that memorable.

The plot concerns three social outcasts who decide to form their own band. The three lead actors all perform the songs capably although not brilliantly. What hurts this film is the way the musical numbers have been included. They interrupt the flow of the narrative and don't seem naturally staged. I know many viewers despise how characters burst out in song in a musical but it is more noticeable in this film.

There are some interesting social issues presented but these don't go deep enough. As a result, we don't become involved in the characters' situations as much as we should.

Occasionally the film drags due to its sedate pace. Still shots of trees and the sky that aren't really influential to the development of the plot can be so annoying for those who prefer a faster pace. Also, the shaky hand-held camera in some scenes is unnecessary.

If you are not a fan of the film musical, you will not be converted after seeing this film. It had the potential to be a decent musical but for someone who loves musicals like myself, it came across as twee and unmemorable.

Starring Emily Browning, Olly Alexander and Hannah Murray
(111 minutes)
Parental advice: Coarse language, adult themes and sexual references.
Additional scene during or after credits: No
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1zYFJHaZO_Y (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Thursday 25th September, 2014)