I bought this DVD in the cheap bin just to see Charlotte Church. I am a big fan of her singing and I figured it would be worth $5 to see her in this. What I got was a bigger, very pleasant surprise. This is a nice romantic comedy with well-drawn characters. Plus, young Charlotte shows that she is a very good, natural actress. And, she even does a bit of singing.
The main character is played by Craig Ferguson. He is Paul Kerr, an apparently washed-up, alcoholic rock musician. At the beginning we see him in a sad state, riding his off road motorbike inside his house, up the stairs, and right out the window and into the fountain below. In split screen we see young Olivia (Charlotte Church) practicing a hymn in church with her voice coach, contrasting the lives of Olivia and Paul. This is important as the story develops.
Jemma Redgrave plays Olivia's mum Rebecca. She and a partner run a hair styling business and Rebecca expects her daughter Olivia to join her in the business after she finishes school. But Olivia has no interest in that, she loves to sing.
So, this movie is about the various characters mending their attitudes, and healing old hurts. It is very well done, a very enjoyable movie that never gets dull. Charlotte sings a bit, but only a bit.
SPOILERS FOLLOW. We find out that Paul is really Olivia's father, and this all comes to light after Paul's fall, with everyone fearing he will die. But he is not badly injured. Still, they think he may be suicidal so he is put into a mental ward. Friends pretend to be his family, get him out, but an old musician friend and reformed alcoholic shows up to help Paul kick his habit. In the process he finds out that not only does he have a daughter, but she sings beautifully. Mum was been upset for 16 years because none of her letters were ever answered, but Paul found out that his manager never gave any of them to him. Long story short, Paul stays sober, he and Rebecca realize they have always loved each other, Olivia gets to go to London and study singing.
The main character is played by Craig Ferguson. He is Paul Kerr, an apparently washed-up, alcoholic rock musician. At the beginning we see him in a sad state, riding his off road motorbike inside his house, up the stairs, and right out the window and into the fountain below. In split screen we see young Olivia (Charlotte Church) practicing a hymn in church with her voice coach, contrasting the lives of Olivia and Paul. This is important as the story develops.
Jemma Redgrave plays Olivia's mum Rebecca. She and a partner run a hair styling business and Rebecca expects her daughter Olivia to join her in the business after she finishes school. But Olivia has no interest in that, she loves to sing.
So, this movie is about the various characters mending their attitudes, and healing old hurts. It is very well done, a very enjoyable movie that never gets dull. Charlotte sings a bit, but only a bit.
SPOILERS FOLLOW. We find out that Paul is really Olivia's father, and this all comes to light after Paul's fall, with everyone fearing he will die. But he is not badly injured. Still, they think he may be suicidal so he is put into a mental ward. Friends pretend to be his family, get him out, but an old musician friend and reformed alcoholic shows up to help Paul kick his habit. In the process he finds out that not only does he have a daughter, but she sings beautifully. Mum was been upset for 16 years because none of her letters were ever answered, but Paul found out that his manager never gave any of them to him. Long story short, Paul stays sober, he and Rebecca realize they have always loved each other, Olivia gets to go to London and study singing.