Adulthood [15]

A powerful, gripping and almost iconic performance from Noel Clarke, who shows he has the ability to write, produce, direct and take the lead role in this gritty and intense look at modern society as a young adult in London. This has been made more relevant by recent news headlines involving gang-culture and specifically the use of weapons in London.

Other favourable performances include the white British rapper 'Plan B', and Adam Deacon who went from playing a lead role as ‘Jay’ in the original production- 'Kidulthood' to taking on the role of the enemy of our main character Sam Peel in 'Adulthood'.

The camera work is fantastic, the degree of acting is also memorable (except for Danny Dyers' girlfriend, who in my opinion ruined the first film, and nearly did this one too) but these factors are topped only by the soundtrack, which suits the film it represents fantastically.

If you enjoyed the original then you will love this, but don’t expect a story about young people steadily getting through their teenage years - this film shows the raw reality of living in a society where some people have little or nothing to lose. The Cert is a 15, but there are stabbings, near-rape and other scenes of a sexual nature, drug references and scenes of drug use, not to mention obscene language and shootings (there’s also a nasty scene with hair straighteners).

If you love young acting talent, a storyline with a few twists and London youth culture then this is the film for you. Clarke has made the plot and dialogue so sharp that it’s a wonder he didn’t cut himself; it becomes easy to get involved with the characters and really feel their emotions as they do - a class act by all involved.

Logan (DI User), 01/07/08

---