Is Anybody There (www.the-usher.com)

"What happens if I don't want too?"

Edward (Milner) hated living at his parent’s old people’s home. He had no friends at school because of it, so he just concentrated on recording the elderly residents of the home to try and discover what happens when they die. When Clarence (Caine) moves in however, the former magician tries to help the young lad to see there is more to life than just looking into death. Clarence has his own problems however and Edward does his best to try and make him feel like living again.

Once in a while the British film industry reminds you on just how good it can be and ‘Is Anybody There?’ is one of those movies.

When it comes to telling stories with characters that you grow to care about, the British film industry has created a niche for itself. Producers, directors and writers just love to mix real life drama with comedy and then sprinkle in some heart-warming moments along the way. For ‘Is Anybody There?’ we see how a little magic and friendship can make a difference a lonely boy and an old man who thought he had nothing left to give.

Taking place in the 1980s on the East Coast of England, this is the story of a young boy called Edward. He is a ten year-old boy growing up in an old people’s home, which is ran by his parents. Not having anyone of his own age to mix with, Edward spends a lot of time on his own and because of the fleeting time that the residents spend in the home, he also has a fascination with death. This leads him to putting a tape recorder in the resident’s that are closer to making that final journey so he can record any sound that happens when they pass away. This all changes when Clarence moves in however. Reluctant to mix with any of the residents, Edward tries to spend time with him, especially after he realises that Clarence was once a magician. So what we have here is a charming, funny and thought provoking look at what it is like to grow old and how friendship can be transcend age.

For a film like this to work you need two strong lead actors to bring Edward and Clarence to life. For Edward ‘Son of Rambow’ star Bill Milner shows what a fantastic talent he is. The role of Edward really stretches his range, allowing him to convey a full variety of emotions. For Clarence however, you have one of the best British actors to ever grace the silver screen, Sir Michael Caine. This is a tour-de-force for the veteran actor, who with age, is showing just how good he can be and choosing role that are some of the most challenging of his career. The supporting cast are also good, with David Morrissey excelling as Edward’s want away father and there are scene-stealing roles for Leslie Phillips, Rosemary Harris and Sylvia Syms as some of the residents of the home.

‘Is Anybody There?’ is a complete gem of a movie. With magnificent performances from Bill Milner and Sir Michael Caine and a story that will move you as well as have you chuckling throughout, this is a first class British film that shows that the industry can still make great moving pictures.

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2009