Walking on Sunshine
WALKING ON SUNSHINE (2015)
Starring Annabel Scholey, Hannah Arterton, Giulio Berruti, Leona Lewis, Greg Wise, Katy Brand, Danny Kirrane, Giulio Corso, Mariola Jaworska, Joelle Koissi, Anabel Kutay, Laura Hydari, Susan Fordham, Michael Chapman, Amy Clare Beales and Adrian Quinton.
Screenplay by Joshua St Johnston.
Directed by Max Giwa & Dania Pasquini.
Distributed by Phase4 Films. 97 minutes. Not Rated.
If you love the movie Grease, give Walking on Sunshine a try. It’s the perfect summer flick.
Funny, light, and a little ridiculous, Walking On Sunshine is a great modern day twist on a classic romance. The British film, starring Hannah Arterton and Giulio Berruti as its main couple, plays out the story of their seemingly ill-fated romance. It is a love that was, but can no longer be.
Along the way, hilarity ensues, as well as covers of various popular 80’s songs to match the story line.
The cast gives lively performances full of energy throughout, and the film gains traction as it goes on. It starts out a little rough, overdramatic and full of awkward moments, but once the musical numbers start the film lightens up and finds its niche.
The film has a fabulous supporting cast who have wonderful chemistry with each other and the main stars. Pop star Leona Lewis (who had a huge hit with the 2007 ballad “Bleeding Love”) is among the many actors who bring great voices to crazy numbers that are choreographed excellently.
Anyone who has ever had dance lessons knows it is difficult to make a group of people with varying levels of coordination dance well and in synch. This movie succeeds with clever choreography that works well with each scene and doesn’t feel forced.
Katy Brand plays Lil, friend of both sisters involved in quite the love triangle, and shines with her performance as an overtly sexual and silly addition.
Though most of the cast does well with both their singing and acting, one cast member falls short – Giulio Berruti is unconvincing and awkward and lacks the vocal strength that the other members provide. Greg Wise also gives a not-so-stellar vocal performance, but makes up for it in the acting department, unlike Berruti.
Though the 80’s themed musical might not be for everyone, it was a cute, family-friendly feel-good movie full of life, which should do well in smaller markets. Maybe not on the big screen, but it should definitely find its niche. It plays to its strengths well with catchy music and funny jokes that distract from what’s a bit of an over-dramatic storyline.
Overall, it’s lighthearted and cute, and will make any day brighter (Get it? Because it’s… Walking on Sunshine!)
Ally Abramson
Copyright ©2015 PopEntertainment.com. All rights reserved. Posted: May 27, 2015.
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