Junkhearts is just about the best sci-fi/paranormal activityesque film I've seen all week. My favourite scene is where the aliens descend and take away our anti-hero (eddie marshan) for some serious self-analysis to try and get his head better after returning home war-down. I think the director did a great job with the CGI effects on Eddie's looks... he kinda looks like something that Wes Craven never used in The Hills Have Eyes (1 and 2). I must admit, some of the outer space scenes seemed a little unrealistic, and the scene where Danny (Tom Sturridge) and Christine (Romola Garai) had a passionate embrace on mars just didn't work for me. Still, sci-fi and genre aside, this little British jewel does have its serious side, taking us deep inside the mind of a mentally deranged soldier who is battling his urge to drink by going to war. With no more wars left, only those raging in the outer reaches of the galaxy, our marinated antagonist hits the bottle big time and that's when help (from a very unlikely source) arrives. It's here where I have what is probably my biggest problem with the film... the little props and scenery. The vodka looked like water and when the spaceship took off for the final time the cups in Christines house seemed empty and glued to the table. But this is a minor gripe considering just how great this film is. I guess when something is faultless you search out errors. It's like what My Physics teacher (Mr Knapton) once told me: "You'll NEVER get a 100% mark in your exam... 99.9%, yes, but NEVER 100. The markers will always find some error, no matter how irrelevant!" Well, I guess that speech hit me deeper than I thought, because here I am, 20 years later, proving Mr Knapton's theory 'One Star Down' theory correct. But back on subject, and to sum this hard-hitting, low budget Brit-flick up, I'd say it's the best Sci-fi pic I've seen this side of insanity. The director done well with limited budget and ex-Craven rejects and managed to pull of a stupendous action/effects film... all without a drop of blood anywhere!9 outta 10!!! Two thumbs up from Tristram Spencer!

Eddie Mardsen and Tom Sturridge are great as you would expect Sturridge acts against type and is really sinister with a sense of menace and suppressed violence Candice Reid is a brilliant new actress in my view- great to see a newbie given such a key part and really pulling it off. She hold the film together and you care about her fate and fear for her on the streets of East London The central characters are convincing and hold your attention throughout The place is Brick Lane and this part of London is really another character in the film If you know the place it enhances your enjoyment of the film Didn't really see enough character development in the Romola Garai role for that bit of the film to work for me But overall this films will hold your attention and make you care about the people-esp Candice Reid

I happened to stumble upon Junkhearts by chance as I had that it had played at London Film Festival so when I saw it was playing at the Curson Renoir I thought I would go along. The film was incredible. The honesty of Frank (Eddie Marsan) and Lynette's (Candice Reid) relationship was really moving and unlike a lot of British indie films, didn't take itself too seriously. Although a film of substance, the moments of hope such as the scene in the field where Frank teaches Lynette self defense (which is beautifully shot) and the moments of comedy, particularly in the momentarily staring role of the fish "Goldie", are really uplifting. The balance is perfect and although it isn't the most easy subject matter, the script allowed moments of laughter, which was shared with others in the cinemaEddie Marsan's performance is breathtaking. As an actor who's CV is filled with supporting roles, he takes center stage with a natural flare, conveying Frank's post-traumatic stress in a way that is perfectly subtle. It felt truthful and not at all forced, and I felt sympathy for him. He was easily likable.To counter this, the story introduces Danny (Tom Sturridge), Lynette's drug-dealing boyfriend. Sturridge didn't just create a standard, run of the mill villain, which is also credit to director Tinge Krishnan. He created a character that we felt sorry for, as Sturridge created someone who we understood, making it clear why his character, who I don't think was a bad person, was doing what he did. He was just stuck in a bad situation, desperate to get out. This storyline also strengthened the relationship between Frank and Lynette, as we see Frank as someone who can protect her and save her from the world that she has found herself in.If you see one film this year, make it Junkhearts. It is refreshing to see such an honest film, and the cast are exceptional. 5 stars.

I felt compelled to tell people about this challenging and bold British film. The acting is superb overall and the story felt very real. It tells the story about Frank played by the superb Eddie Marsan who invites a young girl who is sleeping rough on the street back to his flat. The girl is someone i haven't seen before - i just looked her up and she is called Candese Reid and is really a brilliant actress. Also Tom STurridge who i have only seen playing a different type of character in The Boat that Rocked is very good. He plays her boyfriend. I liked the direction too and was so relieved to see an original and fresh style. I thought about the film for days and its ages since i've seen something that made me think so much. I'd say its a must see if you are interested in cinema and in seeing something out of the ordinary.