This film is a 15, was released on August 14th 2018, and this review will contain NO SPOILERS. This review will also be shorter as I don't have much to say.
Introduction
Of course I like a good comedy, but I would much favour a British indie comedy over a mainstream one, because I usually find them funnier being English myself. Although, I never really was into the Inbetweeners. One reason may be because I only reached the appropriate age to watch it recently, but also because in a comedy, clever comedy, such as Hot Fuzz or The World's End, is better than gross-out comedy. But after the massive success of the two Inbetweeners films (2011 and 2014) the creators decided to make something original, The Festival.
Thoughts Going In
I didn't have many expectations, all I was hoping for was for me and my brother, who is really a big fan of this kind of stuff, to have a mid-summer laugh. I had watched the trailer and various TV spots and both solidified the idea that I'd get at least one laugh.
The Story
On the day of his graduation, a guy named Nick has a sudden break-up with his girlfriend Caitlin. He obviously gets upset, but one of his mates convinces him to go to a music festival as a way of recovery. Once they arrive, cue dirty sex and drug jokes along with tons of ridiculousness, involving mud, crime and hijacking the show.
What I Liked
Well, all that I really have to comment on is that the film is funny. That's really all I wanted out of this film and I'm glad that I did have a good time watching it. Aside from the jokes, there are some moments which are just so cringe-worthy or disgusting that you have to look away, but soon end up laughing. One particular scene involving climbing a fence is a great example. I won't spoil it but you'll know it when you see it. Also, sometimes the jokes are just so absurd that it makes you laugh. For example, one scene introduces a character called 'Pirate' and Nick wonders why he was called that by guessing if he lost a leg, and it turns out he actually did. It's so ridiculous that it really made me laugh.
Also, everyone in the movie does a great job. Aside from Nick, who was really good, there was a character called Amy who was really silly and naive that it was entertaining to see how she would act in certain situations. Nick's best friend (who I've forgotten the name of) was also really good too.
What I Didn't Like
My only complaint with the film is that the comedy, even though it made me laugh, was a bit cheap. As I said, it's all your typical crude jokes involving sex and drugs. While I think that they could easily have been in the film, I would've preferred some more down-to-earth humour, because in a setting like this and with all these characters present, it could've lead to some funnier moments during interactions, which is a shame because there is some in there and with the obvious competence on display I think more would've been pleasant. Also, the film can occasionally elongate an unfunny joke or repeat a funny one until it has lost its charm. But in all fairness, most comedies fall into that trap one way or another.
Conclusion
You may think that this review has been a bit shallow but there was really no reason to comment on character arcs, the narrative or cinematography because the only thing that people want from a film like this is the humour, and based off that alone, it really satisfies. If you do like the Inbetweeners then I can only recommend this to you. If you are actually going to a music festival after you get your results or whatever then this is also a good shout. And of course if you just want an easy laugh or two then do check it out. For me, I definitely had good time, but would've preferred more intelligent humour.
I'm going to give The Festival a D
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