Tonight You're Mine (original title You Instead) (2011)

The one thing I love about the British film industry is that it’s not afraid to take some risks. They fund independent projects which don’t always make a lot of money, but they don’t care, or at least that isn't there number one priority. They don’t reproduce a set of Hollywood-idealized plots, and they don’t make sequels or prequels as if they’re life depended on it. What they do is even better - they make something original. And originality and quality is what we have with Tonight You’re Mine – its quirky, its British and its bloody good.

It tells the story of two feuding rock stars who are handcuffed together for 24 hours at T-in-the-Park where they are both due to perform. Obviously a whole host of random drunken debauchery ensues and we see how, in the midst of the madness of brilliant music and classic British weather, their relationship develops from one of feuding and bickering to friendship and romance. Maybe not love, because come on, we British aren't deluded, you don’t fall in love with someone in 24 hours, but you can fall ‘in’. Big difference. This is something the film does rather brilliantly – it depicts the ‘in’.

Of course we haven’t just got these two; we have a whole host of British actors who make up this young and refreshingly contemporary set of characters. The lesbian couple; the sexy-American-rock-star-geek, the much-older boyfriend and, of course, the drunk that everyone sends home early. It wouldn't be a British film without that character now would it? Don’t worry, these might sound like a whole lot of stereotypes and cliches for one film, but they aren't handled in this way. The story-lines progress and develop naturally – no character seems forced or unrealistic. Thank god, huh?!

One thing that might be off-putting for some viewers is the films aesthetic style, which is very dark and claustrophobic - probably to reflect the protagonists situation. This darkness, along with the documentary-style filming, gives the film a reality that is often missing in larger productions. In fact, certain sections look like they've been pulled straight from a handheld camcorder. This might seem shoddy to the Spielberg-lovers of this readership, but is refreshingly contemporary and fits in with the feel of the film. This film isn't supposed to be pristine quality, because it reflects the dirty and wonderful of the festival-world – which is anything but pristine.

Music plays a big part in bringing these two characters together.

The leading duo play their roles to perfection in this 80 minute film and it is refreshing to see two faces without stereotypical beauty, which isn't to say they aren't attractive – but doesn't it just bug you when only the ‘ridiculously-good-looking’ (I hope some of you recognize that reference) find love in the end? I know it annoys me!

The leading lady is played by British actress Natalia Tena whom some might recognize as Tonks in the Harry Potter franchise. Here she plays the feisty and opinionated Morello, who doesn't take crap from anyone. Not even hugely successful rock stars with model girlfriends. To me the role was perfectly cast and the humour we saw in Harry Potter is very much present in this production – clearly Tena is as feisty and contagious a person as she plays in this film. Our leading man is played by Luke Treadway whose good looks alone make him perfect for the dirty rock-star we all love-to-hate and hate-to-love. Here Treadway gives me another reason to gush over the British film industry because they have left the romantic lead in the hands of a relatively unknown but hugely talented actor – something you don’t see much of in a Hollywood blockbuster these days (I don’t mean to hate on Hollywood, hell I watch and love many of those films as well, but I can’t help but brag a little. Call it my patriotic duty.) Treadway’s character seems like a bit of a bad-ass but the charm with which he plays this character stops you from hating him.

All-in-all we have a top-notch British film and, though it might not be for everyone, its contemporary feel give it a sense of reality which younger audiences will definitely appreciate. The film might be a little bit cheesy, but I swear, only a little. Like a cheddar perhaps. It definitely ain't blue-cheese material.

Best line: (This can be seen in the trailer if this post has piqued your interest enough…)

Adam: We need an industrial sized tool.
Fire Marshall: I think I found one.
Morello: Really?
Adam: Oh aha ha a comedian.

To cut a long story short…
Would I recommend this? I would, but I feel like it would only appeal to a minority which is unfortunate really. 
A film ramblers star rating? 

That's it for now folks...