PAUL DONOVAN is chilled by the contemporary resonance of Harper Lee’s coming of age tale amidst racism and white supremacy in this excellent production
Latest editorial
Film: Review - Sunshine On Leith (PG)
Edinburgh's never looked so beautiful, says MARIA DUARTE, so long as you can stand the cheese
GEOFF BOTTOMS recommends the unashamedly light-hearted escapism on offer in this stage version of the 1963 film
Full of mysterious religious references and radical sound design, the Scottish duo’s new offering is candidate for album of the year, suggests SIMON DUFF
MARY CONWAY revels in a powerful reminder that human lives are not defined by physical perfection
PAUL DONOVAN recommends the fine performances in this account of the pre-war meeting between the US president and the British king
TECLYN AROD relishes an intimate celebration of jazz improvisation that mixes local and national musicians
Sunshine On Leith (PG)
Directed by Dexter Fletcher
Three stars
If you adore musicals and are a massive fan of The Proclaimers then you will love this feel-good musical cinematic extravaganza set in Scotland.
Edinburgh has never looked as sun-drenched or as beautiful as it does in this film adaptation of the successful stage musical Sunshine On Leith, based around the duo's songs.
It is a bold choice for Dexter Fletcher's follow-up movie to his acclaimed directorial debut Wild Bill and he manages to infuse the film with similar humour, heart and pathos while trying to ground the scenario in working-class roots.
Like Mamma Mia! this is an uplifting, unabashed crowd-pleaser which culminates with a climactic rendition of I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) with the aid of a flash mob in Edinburgh city centre.
The songs are worked seamlessly into the drama and it's a cheesy and infectious confection which will leave you feeling energised and grinning from ear to ear.
MARIA DUARTE
Similar stories
JAN WOLF enjoys a British revival of the 1972 come of age farce/panto Pippin
LEO BOIX, ANDY HEDGECOCK and MARIA DUARTE review Dreamers, It Was Just An Accident, Folktales, and Eternity
STEVE JOHNSON relishes a celebration of the commonality of folk music and its links with the struggles of working people the world over
MARIA DUARTE and ANGUS REID review Friendship, Four Letters of Love, Tin Soldier and The Ballad of Suzanne Cesaire