Cal [DVD]

This is the latest film from Bristol based producer and director Christian Martin. He has chosen to reprise the main character from his first feature length production, Cal. He was last seen as that persona in the rather good `Shank'. Wayne Virgo plays the character again and as ever is very believable. This chapter sees him return from his European travels where he has been working in kitchens as a casual.He has returned after receiving a post card from him mother's lodger, the alcoholic `Aunty Jane', who has told him his mum is in hospital. He arrives in austerity Britain when Bristol is suffering the same fate as London in the summer riots. He gets involved with a local pimp Ivan (Daniel Brocklebank) when he tries to help one of his boys Jim. Ivan takes Cal's passport and Cal decides to let Jim stay at his mum's house to escape the regular violence of the streets. Their relationship then lurches between friendship and inter dependence as they try to sort out their future and Cal tries to sort out his past.There is a lot here including sexual exploitation, poverty, dependency, drug abuse, homophobia, violence and relationship issues as well as blatant criminality. Most of the issues are handled sensitively and in an un- clichéd way, which is appreciated. There are some plot holes or stretches that some may not be over the moon with; to say what they are would be a plot spoiler. That is done for the purposes of the narrative and is only mildly irksome and actually forgivable.`Shank' was a welcome breath of independent film fresh air that tackled issues of homosexuality without being an excuse for soft porn and this is very much in the same vein. People are often victims of their circumstances and that is the case here, but what I also like is that those circumstances can be changed for the better with help and a push to make the right choices. Christian Martin has made another very watchable film that raises issues and deals with them in a very human way. Recommended for all indie fans and those who like `gay' themed films to have a bit of thought put into them.

I was disappointed with Cal. A very negative story spoilt the upbeat and hopeful ending of Shank. The film was too preoccupied with making social and political comment. I am not sure why so many gay films are based on the tenet that the possibility of successful, rewarding gay relationships is unachievable. Both Shank and Cal focus for their drama on gay men as victims. I am not saying this is not a reflection of reality. but it is far from being the whole story.

Return of Cal. With more of a background story revealed, and his fight for future.Another not so happy or light-hearted movie.Wayne Virgo does amazing repetition of Cal.

Terrific sequel to the equally brilliant SHANK. I think the former was more harrowing but this is close - CAL succeeds with the heart strings too, by bringing in Cal's mother and shining its light into corners of his life which are emotionally powerful. Top notch acting from Wayne Virgo, Tom Payne and all the cast make this gritty, visceral, powerful cinema. Hats off writer and director Christian Martin.

Poor, jerky, narrative. It is not always clear what is going on, or why. Why make Cal smoke? it sets a bad examle, & is not essential for the plot.

Nowhere near as good as the first one and the plot was not the best

Bought the DVD on reading rave reviews. Should have read more! Acting poor. Story made little sense. Didn't understand what the riots were for. Didn't get his mother's antipathy towards him. Why did she make a very good painting of him? The gangsters were a joke. I'll keep it as a reminder to fully review DVDs before buying one.

Very engaging right the way through. Low budget but story has a mission and good human interest. A bit too much emphasis on protest marches etc but it make the point