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Third Star review

This sentimental drama about friendship lays on the life lessons a bit thick...

Reviews
By Neil Smith published 17 May 2011

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Three male friends go to the back of beyond – well, Wales – to make a fourth’s dying wish come true in a well-intentioned drama that can’t help being both lachrymose and overfamiliar.

That’s no fault of Sherlock’s Benedict Cumberbatch, wryly moving as the cancerous James, or the pals who take turns to push his wheelchair.

It’s more a failing in Vaughan Sivell’s screenplay, which recycles that old movie staple about terminal illness being a wonderful life lesson.

Hattie Dalton’s direction is sensitive but ponderous, making our own third star more than slightly grudging.

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Neil Smith
Neil Smith
Freelance Writer

Neil Smith is a freelance film critic and writer who contributes regularly to Heat, SFX and Screen International. He's a long-time member of the London Film Critics’ Circle and was a contributing editor at Total Film for many years.

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