Search: Starring Mark Addy

The power of The Choral is that it evokes smiles and laughter in opposition to the oppressive reality of these war years.

The racist jibes aren't sharp enough. The love story beggars belief.

Heart warming and enjoyable.

For an uplifting tale about an ordinary man, who is not a recovering alcoholic, or a typical British waster, then check this out.

Mushy as a melted doughnut and so absurd it's cute.

What matters more is whether this mixture of stunt riding spectacle and tongue-in-cheek works. Surprisingly, it does. Almost.

You could argue it's a bit broad but then charming crowdpleasers often are.

The film is at its strongest in the scenes between Crowe and Blanchett, as Marion - both no-nonsense in attitude - as they spar verbally and bring some much-needed humour to the discourse.

This is so far off the map, it should be funny, but Ledger keeps a straight face and for a moment you might be forgiven for thinking he believes in what he does.

Guy Pearce is a puzzling lead, at times desperately out of his depth, mostly getting away with it due to his skill at looking lost and miserable as he mumbles his lines and does a bizarre impression of Nick Cave.