Hanging in There (2017)

Let's be realistic.

Good movie, but best of all time? Hardly . . .

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

A wonderful sensitively portrayed story of Jack Jackson (played by Chris Hudson) who discovers he has a lump on one of his testicles, which he dismisses for a while until he is convinced to get himself checked out. Anna, his wife (played by Elizabeth Joyce Morris)goes through all the emotions and feelings of a couple in turmoil once Jack has admitted his discovery to his wife. The car scene is so moving it had me in tears to see Anna completely broken. Beautifully played by both characters. The supporting cast give their all to the film, making it an essential watch for any of you blokes out there too proud to admit you might be scared or indeed terrified to see a doctor if you think you may have a lump on one of your testicles. Congratulations to all who were connected to this wonderful film that should be shown to as many organisations as possible. As the director (Darren Scott) said, "If one life has been saved, then it was all worth it."

I didn't know quite what to expect of this film but was extremely impressed and engrossed in the film and it says a lot for the acting that I cared very much about what happened to them all. At the preview it was stated that "if it just saves one life" it will have been worth it and it is certain to achieve much more than that.

A film made locally and with largely amateur actors. One would normally have only moderate expectations, but let me say that these can be largely set aside, such is the impact of and standards set by this film. It tackles a tricky subject (testicular cancer) with due seriousness, and yet the story is told with such a lightness of touch and a degree of good humour that it makes for easy and entertaining viewing. The performances are such that one can readily forget that one is watching amateur players. For the most part the playing is convincing, with only the odd minor role failing to convince. Chris Hudson and Elizabeth Joyce Morris in the central roles are outstanding in delivering a witty script by Geoff Saunders, and Darren Scott's direction is remarkable for one new to film-making.

A comedy about cancer might seem unappealing but this is a warm and charming story well told.The leading lady presents a star turn, if you're not moved by the scene in the car, there's something amiss.I hope this film gets the wider audience it deserves.