Now those of you who have been following me for a while, will know that biopics are films that I do like if done right. It doesn't have to be completely accurate to what actually happened, but needs to do well enough to respect the events that unfolded and allow the filmmakers to make their own take on it. The latter part is the most important because as we all know all too well, not everything will translate well to screen, big or otherwise. So that brings us to this band called Fishermen's Friends who are a folk music group known for their sea shanties which, during the pandemic, has become more popular than ever before. Based in Cornwall and consisting of people who are either fishermen or connected to the sea as lifeboatmen or coastguards, this band you would never think would actually be as successful as they end up being. Well, we have two films to get through, with the first focusing on their humble beginnings and the second seeing how they cope with their new-found fame in the build up to performing at one of the biggest music festivals in the world. Let's sing and catch some fish, shall we:
Fisherman's Friends
On a stag weekend, London based music executive Danny (played by Daniel Mays) reluctantly heads to Cornwall and is pranked by his boss Troy (played by Noel Clarke) to sign a record deal with some shanty singing fishermen. This leads him into figuring out a way to make them big when they value friendship and community over fame and fortune, thus leading him into some shenanigans as he attempts to do what his friends think is an impossible task and also reevaluates his own life in the process. The first film, while not perfect, is very warm, funny and just has us the audience realize that having a decent life isn't the worst thing in the world. Very much a feel good film and certainly one that will get people interested in shanties, fish and Cornwall. 7/10
One and All
Why couldn't they just stop at one film, I will never know. Guess when one is successful, they must make another and the sequel/prequel circle of life continues. So in the sequel, set one year following the release of their debut album, the band are struggling with managing the newfound fame they have received. As they navigate new members joining their band, problems with the record company and their own personal struggles, only time will tell if these boys are ready for the big leagues in Glastonbury. This film is fine and all, but I don't feel the same way about it as I do with the first. The first had its charm and quirkiness about it, but this film just feels very pointless and tries too hard with the love clichés, the comedy and even the few serious moments that it has. But if shanties and grown men having a midlife crisis is your thing, then give it a watch. But for the rest of us, you won't be missing much if you choose to skip it. 6/10
So again, if shanties are your thing, these are the films for you. If you just want to have a good time, yeah you will get that here too. But anything else, you probably won't get. Sure, the films demonstrate well that a simple life in Cornwall is not as boring as it may sound. But that's really all it can do, and who knows if we will get a third film. 7/10
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