Over the last 20 years the majority of British films are about how horribly poverty stricken the UK is and how our youth doesn't stand a chance of a good life whilst they live on the mean streets of British cities. The British film industry is obsessed with the idea of 'broken Britain'. Trainspotting, This is England, Kidulthood, Football Factory, Kes and From London to Brighton.Bullet Boy is just another British movie added to that list. The main character expresses a desire to go straight yet he still insists on hanging around with dead beats who carry guns and fight with gang members over nothing. I was never convinced that he did want to go straight as there was nothing stopping him pursuing an education or a trade. In fact it would have been a breath of fresh air if he had of gone straight and we had a character who turned his life around. Instead he spends his time helping his friend trying to commit murder. I felt no sympathy when he is predictably shot by another teen at the end of the film, which is sad because at the beginning of the film I really liked the entire family and their desire for success. I believe the makers missed a great chance to show the world that success belongs to those who are willing to really strive for it (like the Pursuit of Happiness). I know the purpose of this film was to try and paint a realistic picture of what life is like for black teens living in working class areas of Britain but don't we already have enough films in the UK with that very same plot? Isn't it time these talented producers and writers give Britains youth something to aspire to and show them a better life is just around the corner?I applaud the makers of Bullet Boy for not loading the film full of mindless violence in order to try and get success through shock factors (like Kidulthood, Football Factory) but at the same time this movie offers nothing new to a long list of British films that are effectively dull and depressing to watch. There is no happy ending to this movie or any of the others I have mentioned.

It's a bad, very bad movie.Well, for people a real realistic movie is a good thing. For me it is not. Life is also predictable, bad, nasty, trivial, senseless, sometimes. Maybe that's the reason for people say that this film is real.Too many common places: you're black, you're a criminal, you're doomed and cursed, whatever you do you'll end up by shooting or being shot by someone; don't let the kids play with the weapons, it could be dangerous; and then there are those who go to the church, and then they are good, very good...Before this one, I hadn't seen such a bad movie. That's perhaps the reason for I never noticed how important the photography itself is important in a movie. In this one, every scene shot in daytime, outdoor, is clearly and annoyingly blue. They didn't even care to correct the colour balance. Oh! I've "rated" more than 300 movies in this database so far, and this (3/10) is my lowest ever.

STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All Costs Ricky (Ashley Walters) has just been released from prison for stabbing another teenager.His pal Wisdom (Leon Black) and little brother Curtis (Luke Fraser) come along to pick him up and he ingratiates himself back into the community he's been apart from for a while.All he wants,after serving his time in prison,is to start again and re-build his life and possibly move away with his girlfriend Beverley (Claire Perkins) and for awhile this seems like a real possibility.But then,an accident involving a smashed wing mirror lands him and Wisdom in a spot of bother with a rival gang.You and I would just exchange insurance details,but in 'da 'ood',things just don't work that way and a tit-for-tat war ensues that builds up to end in tragedy.This is such a small,independent film that it's a shame it probably won't reach out to a much broader audience,unless it ends up becoming a sleeper hit like The Full Monty,and lets all hope that happens.With the state of gun control/crime in the country at quite a shocking epidemic (especially in Nottingham!) Bullet Boy is,if nothing else,a very timely film released to speak out to the youth of Britain of it's shocking consequences.Lead star Walters (formerly of So Solid Crew fame) is a very choice actor to play the role,as he previously served time for illegal firearm possession,and so he's sort of further re-paying his debt to society here.The main problem area of gun crime does seem to be in the black communities,so in the Hackney area of London is where the film is set.The script is made up almost entirely of characters spitting heavy black lingo that might be a bit over-whelming for the novice or for those simply not fond of that way of talking.The film presents a very real and gritty presentation of modern black culture and their place in society.It pushes more-or-less all the right buttons,but possibly the biggest strength of the film is the compelling characters.Ricky is sincere and blatant in his efforts to go straight and promote peace to his 'brederin.'Wisdom is trapped as the guy who has to prove himself to those around him who deride him,not to mention Curtis as the innocent child on a collision course to be corrupted if the forces around him don't change.But the supporting players are very good too,such as Bev,Ricky and Curtis's bewildered,worn-out mum and her new boyfriend who has a chequered history of his own but has found God and hopes to inspire his following to those closest to him.They are very believable characters and,more-than-that,they are very real characters,and it sort of goes without saying that everyone involved gives fine performances to make them this compelling.Just today,Tony Blair has told us that violent crime is down in the country,something I have a bit of trouble swallowing,but which may or may not be true all the same.But I get the feeling somewhere like the hood may be a place he hasn't made any effort to change,just an area where the problems continue but people make a note of 'avoiding.'Bullet Boy is a fictional story,but,the chilling thing is it could so easily be true and doubtless there are many cases where a story that is almost exactly the same does happen there in everyday life.In the end,the director throws it down to one of the youngest cast members to deliver the films most powerful scene of symbolism and social commentary by tossing the gun that has caused him,his family and his close friends so much misery and suffering into the river instead of going out with it and winding up another statistic like his brother,as if to say:For God's sake,stop killing each other and make peace.'It is very powerful and effective,much like the film itself.It's the best film I've seen so far this year,that's for sure.****

I went to the Premiere of Bullet Boy at the Corner House last night and was very impressed with the film. The film has a very powerful, positive message, and i think it is a very thought provoking film which deserves to be seen by as many people as possible. The film deals with the issue of gun crime is a very realistic, non stereotypical way, and gives a very good insight into a world which many of us have probably never come across. The film ends with what i thought was a positive message of hope and inspiration. This film is definitely worth a look!!! I would also like to add that the director and lead actor- Ashley Walters both came across as really nice people, who obviously have a great passion for films and the issues within this one. Is was very refreshing to see 2 fairly young people with such an intelligent, positive, polite manner. I was very impressed!