Papadopoulos and Sons Review
Papadopoulos and Sons is a British indie comedy drama about a wealthy man who loses it all and subsequently works in a chip shop, only to find that what he really wanted was right in front of him, his family. Sound predictable and schmaltzy to you? You'd be right.
I will commend the film for its lightheartedness, god knows we need some of that around these days, but what I won't forgive it for, is its utter refusal to try and do something new with the genre. The British comedy has been going for many years now, creating some classic films like The Full Monty and Love Actually, but on the other hand creating some not so classic films, think this year's Song for Marion. Unfortunately this film falls into the latter category. The plot revolves around a father of a small family who are extremely wealthy due to his Greek food business, when his business takes a turn for the worst he is left with little money, and so enlists the help of his brother who suggests reopening the brother's old chip shop. If there was ever a film in which you could guess every line that was about to be said this is it, no effort has been made to alter the formula we have seen so many times, and unfortunately for the film, this is the main downfall.
I say unfortunately, because there are some surprisingly solid performances throughout the film, most noticeably Stephen Dillane as the cynical and miserable father, and Georges Corraface as his happy-go-lucky brother, there are tiny minuscule sparks of brotherly chemistry between the two, which makes watching the film a bit less of a bore. Technically speaking, the film is solidly directed and shot, and is never hard to watch, which adds to the lighthearted nature of the film, a style which some people will love and some will loathe. On the other hand there are some horrendous performances, Frank Dillane as the son James is unbearably cringey and awkward, and by the end of the film you will want to strangle the youngest boy of the family, a tiny swat who's dialogue is so irritating you'll want to tear off your ears. As well as the performances, the set design and general look of the film is sub par, generic and dull, with most of it taking place on a street somewhere in London which looks like the takeaway haven that lulls you in with its classless tentacles after a night out.
So then, if you're in the mood for something light hearted, something that will fulfil your desire to be entertained in a mind numbingly predictable way, then check this film out, otherwise, keep clear.
5/10
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