Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. In this blog, I will be reviewing a film I saw on Netflix on 2nd and 3rd September 2023. This film is called "I Used Yo Be Famous", starring Ed Skrein and introducing Leo Long!
WARNING: THIS BLOG CONTAINS SPOILERS.
This film centres around Vince aka Vinnie D, a former member of the band Stereo Dream, who is wanting to make a comeback after being unemployed for 20 years. After a brief jamming session on the streets of Peckham followed by an accidental arrival at a drumming club, he strikes up a friendship with Stevie, an autistic drummer, and soon he begins to realise that there's more to life than being successful.
This film touched my heart for many reasons. Firstly the storyline had everything you could ask for. It had moments of comedy, moments where you would cry your eyes out and then all of a sudden you're left with a beaming smile on your face. And I needed it for when I watched it, as I was not in a great place that week due to the anniversary of my mum's death. So to end my week with watching a film like this is deeply healing and leaving me with hope for the future was definitely the best decision I've made.
I need to give a huge credit to Eddie Sternberg, who along with many writers like Zak Klein, wrote and directed the film. Everything he did was detailed to a tea. The storyline, raising awareness and to show that no matter what you face, you can achieve anything you're passionate about. This was also his feature film debut, and I must say, he kicked it off with a bang. I know I'll be biased being an autistic creative, but I know good work when I see it.
Leo's character Stevie was the perfect example of carrying on with what you love, no matter what others might think and when they try to stop you. There was one moment where his mum Amber (played by Eleanor Matsuura), forced Stevie to cut contact with Vince, after a gig got out of hand by one person in the venue they were playing (which was sad as the way Vince acted he shouldn't have done that, but that's the reality as you do always get someone to spoil the fun). But that didn't stop him from getting people to notice their talent. This was also Leo's first debut into acting, which is quite rare for someone starting out, as normally you would get the day player roles in the serial dramas (Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Doctors etc). But he was obviously a grafter, so for him to get a lead in not only his first feature film, but also his first TV credit (or one of his firsts) is huge! Well done Leo, you really knocked it out of the park.
The casting by Isabella Odoffin was fantastic. From the main characters, to those who are from the deaf and disabled community was heartwarming and almost emotional. As people would look at people like me and think they're incapable or stupid to pursue a career in the arts, but she saw something in them that most people lack. Those are commitment, passion and most of all they have fun in what they do. And along with working hard that is what makes a true performer, as if they have fun, we have fun. Which is probably why at the end I couldn't help but put the massive smile on my face.
The ending for me topped it off, as with Vinnie now realising that his friendship with Stevie means more than success, his surprise on Stevie's birthday was something that every kid dreams of. And what he did was actually a source of inspiration for me, as in previous blogs I mentioned that I'm doing a project to raise awareness in autism, and the ending and how it's set out was what I'm planning. Not only was it fun to watch, but it brought everyone together as a community, from the drumming groups, the local pub owners, and even those who mocked Vince at the beginning of the film came to watch it. And if I can get the same affect with my film, then who knows, you might see it on Netflix or another streaming platform in the near future. I even thought that those who mocked Vince and Stevie was also casted well, like Vince's former manager Dennis (played by Neil Struke), as yes this film is supposed to be a positive one, it also needs to show a glimpse of some people who are still not educated on autism, and to also make people aware of what is right and what is wrong.
I only have 2 downsides to this film, but they’re only minor.
My first one being some of the characters just being arseholes, one in particular was Dennis, who branded Stevie as a "special needs kid". And I won’t lie… it made my blood boil. But it was also a positive in the film, as when you hate a villain or someone who's dismissive, that’s when you know the actor is playing the role well, when they get into a character who is closed minded and someone who doesn’t judge anyone before they get to know them. This was also a perfect example with Amber. I didn’t really like her at the beginning, as whilst she was being protective of her son, she didn’t get the chance to show what he’s capable of. However once she’s seen how happy Vince made Stevie and how he handles the students at the drumming club, she starts to change her opinion of him, and even found her love of dance again, which strengthened her relationship with her son. Not it say that it wasn’t perfect already, but when it was revealed that she had to put her career on hold to look after Stevie, it made her feel down. But after she re-discovers dancing, it made her happy, which in turn made Stevie happy.
My other only downside is what happened after Stevie’s birthday. As they could’ve done post credit scenes of various scenarios. These could've included Vince and Stevie aka The Tin Men, going on their tour after going viral on social media, Stevie going to music college, Vince managing the drumming club if Dia (who was originally the teacher of the club, and played by Kurt Egyiawan) did leave and also Vince going on a date with Mel and see how it develops. Those were my only criticisms.
Overall, I would give this film a 4.5 out of 5. It was inspiring, heartwarming, reflective and had a few moments of humour. But those little tweaks would have given it the full house.
I hope you enjoyed this reveiw, and I shall see you soon for another blog. Until next time…
This is the autistic actress signing off :)
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