I viewed Beyond The Pole as a comedy first and ecological message second. Starting off with an idealogical dream, out two intrepid heroes (Steve Mangham and Rhys Thomas, both displaying flair for comedy) come up with an idea of combining a dream to reach the north Pole with getting into the Guinness Book of Records. They're going as the first non-supported, carbon-free and vegetarian team.After selling flats and leaving a pregnant wife, the duo get to the Arctic (a beautifully dramatic landscape, filmed in Greenland) and correspond with home, via an amusing and always eating Mark Benton, whom, along with Rhys' wife, talk to them via satellite from a caravan in the middle of a field. Mangham's wife, meanwhile, jollies it up in the south of France with his old school-pal.Back in Greenland, the team's cameraman shoots an inquisitive polar bear and things start to fall apart and frictions arise between the two pals. Hot on the their trail are an organised and professional Norwegian team, competing under the same rules. When they catch up with our motley duo, they find that out that they happen to be a gay couple. Or were. A couple, that is. It's fresh and breezy, but never THAT funny and I found some of the relationship bickering a bit trying though overall, a fair stab at something a bit different and ultimately quite enjoyable.

The climate-change camp of environmentalists have over the last few decades moved from hippies in trees to suits in boardrooms, from Greenpeace ships to parliament and from chaining themselves to construction site fencing to highly paid city-based consultants. Some would argue a long-oppressed and "inconvenient" movement has now swung right through the centre ground, and like many oppressed but important issues, now gone too far, and there is a need for amending the balance.Enter "Beyond the Pole". While not losing sight - or in my view trying to criticise or offend the climate debate - this film is an hilarious look at where idealism simply goes too far. In a small screening at the ICA we laughed, cringed and cried on a roller-coaster of emotions from the Chelsea Tractor streets of London to the harsh, barren and cold reality of the Arctic North.This is essential viewing for all. I left amused, entertained and felt some much needed humour (and humility) had been injected into the climate debate.Not least as I leave for the North Pole at the end of March. And yes, I did go to Public School. Sorry.

I flew to San Francisco to see this film...and it was well worth it! I can honestly say a majority of the audience enjoyed it as much as I did. Lots of laughter! And for Alexander Skarsgard fans, you get to see his comedic side once again as a gay Norwegian Olympic champ.Stephen and Rhys do a remarkable job portraying best friends; their chemistry together makes one think they have known each other for ages. Rosie Cavaliero who plays Brian's wife, Sandra is fantastic - while she is riddled with worry about her husband, she is also supportive of his decision. Helen Baxendale and Mark Benton do a great job as key roles throughout the movie.All in all, I give the film ten out of ten stars. You will find yourself laughing out loud with the audience and learning an important lesson on global warming as well. Director and co-writer, David L. Williams had the right idea to use comedy to raise awareness to the masses on the issue.

I just loved this film. I love movies that have great messages embedded in them. Yet, you are so captivated by the characters, that you don't really know you are being taught a very valuable lesson at the same time. This film has that kind of effect on you. It is a great message about undertaking a call, and the experiences that come along with taking responsibility for your life and what happens to your world. As with every great story, a tragedy does take place, and your emotions are exposed. However, the tragedy brings awareness to the reality that some people are not strong enough to carry the torch; but the one who is able can. I left the film feeling empowered and challenged to "BE IMPORTANT," and so will anyone who sees it.I can't wait for it to come out in the theaters and on DVD so that I can add this masterpiece to my collection.