Life of Riley

One of the first things I noticed with this film was the bright and vivid colours and the artificial seeming sets. It comes across like a play within a play, with the first scene featuring two characters struggling with their lines and most scenes featuring a backdrop with a disguised curtain, so it appears as if people are walking back into the house when they turn around and walk through the curtains. It has a certain cartoon type feel to it, with other scenes/shots showing the character with an apparently drawn background of black lines on a white background for example. The plot revolves around fairly well off people having to come to terms with a relatives impending demise. It'd be fair to say it features familial bickering. I suppose with the heavy emphasis on dialogue, it could seem a little dull but at least the quirky idents in between scenes (showing where the next setting is based, such as in France or England, or in another building) are nice. The characters are somewhat quirky but it'd be fair to say its not exactly an exciting, action-packed sort of a film, so that may be worth bearing in mind. Its about family gossip and jealousy. The music played ocassionally (very ocassionally) is surprisingly jolly and upbeat sounding, adding again to the quirkiness of the film. I noted scenes of male characters opening up to each other about things, which was quite refreshing to see. There is also (slight) mockery, backstabbing and bickering. Its relatively interesting to see how people respond to finding out secrets, the proverbial 'dirty washing' hanging out for those to see. Its a slow burner but it's ok. Miles from fascinating but mildly intriguing at best, I'd say. I particularly liked the male character who waits for the other character to walk away before swearing and letting out his anger briefly. There is a glimmer of amusement present but it certainly won't appeal to everyone. If it sounds of interest, then give it a watch I say.