Third Star review

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

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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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Freelance Writer

Neil Smith is a freelance film critic who has written for several publications, including Total Film. His bylines can be found at the BBC, Film 4 Independent, Uncut Magazine, SFX Magazine, Heat Magazine, Popcorn, and more.