User Reviews

At some point in this film the leading lady suggests that everyone deserves a last chance. This might even be true. At all events it is, on several levels, the theme of this rewarding film. Stones, made on a miniscule budget and directed by Roydon Turner, is a serious look at alcohol addiction. This is not as gloomy as it sounds; the charm of the leading players makes us hope for the luckiest of conclusions. The film also contains eleven original songs by Alexander McKay, expertly woven into the fabric of the story. McKay also plays the lead. Alexander McKay, on acting debut, does an accomplished and engaging job as Alex while Alan Booty gives a fine three-minute cameo as Alex's alcoholic father, whom he sees only in the pub. Kirsten Hazel Smith (reminiscent of the young Jenny Agutter) makes a fetching Rachel with whom anyone would fall in love -except for Alex who imagines Jen will take him back. Stones is an impressive feature film debut for TV commercial director Roydon Turner, and his writing partner, Don Macnab-Stark, miraculous on so small a budget. The music track should appeal to most people, the screenplay hits the right notes, the dialogue is expertly delivered, the leads are engaging, and the production values meet requirements. It is hard to imagine the curmudgeon who would not enjoy it.