The Scouting Book for Boys

Whilst not a film that will linger long in the memory, "The Scouting Book for Boys" is none-the-less a compelling enough watch. The two leads are good, without being exceptional, with Turgoose only showing some of the high potential he displayed in "This is England". Underdeveloped in parts, and with much of the film feeling more suited to a stage based melodrama, it is the slightly sinister and dark last third that manages to elevate this movie to above avarage. Not bad at all.

Obsessive teen relationship -Heavenly Creatures comes to mind- starts quite sweet. Grainger's damaged but charismatic and Turgoose's neglected and desperate are well acted.

Captures the angst of teenage friendship- understated.

This isn't your dad's coming-of-age film. Grim social-realist tale of working-class Brit teenagers are their confusing friendship, this is a surprisingly dark flick vaguely reminiscent of the more sinister elements of Ken Loach or Mike Leigh. Fantastic lead performances, too.