Beyond The Pole (2009)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

I viewed Beyond The Pole as a comedy first and ecological message second. Starting off with an idealogical dream, out two intrepid heroes (Steve Mangham and Rhys Thomas, both displaying flair for comedy) come up with an idea of combining a dream to reach the north Pole with getting into the Guinness Book of Records. They're going as the first non-supported, carbon-free and vegetarian team.After selling flats and leaving a pregnant wife, the duo get to the Arctic (a beautifully dramatic landscape, filmed in Greenland) and correspond with home, via an amusing and always eating Mark Benton, whom, along with Rhys' wife, talk to them via satellite from a caravan in the middle of a field. Mangham's wife, meanwhile, jollies it up in the south of France with his old school-pal.Back in Greenland, the team's cameraman shoots an inquisitive polar bear and things start to fall apart and frictions arise between the two pals. Hot on the their trail are an organised and professional Norwegian team, competing under the same rules. When they catch up with our motley duo, they find that out that they happen to be a gay couple. Or were. A couple, that is. It's fresh and breezy, but never THAT funny and I found some of the relationship bickering a bit trying though overall, a fair stab at something a bit different and ultimately quite enjoyable.

With a superb cast and a different idea, this had great potential but driven by a weak script it eventually goes nowhere. With no depth to the characters you don't care what happens to them as the story drags on. Missing the mark, this unfortunately did not make me laugh & did nothing to educate about climate change. The most entertaining moment was when four men wrestled over a single biscuit.Due to the numerous 10 star reviews, I had to write this honest review. Sadly I will not be recommending this film to friends.

Beyond The Pole is a tongue in cheek movie about climate change, among other things. It also deals with friendships that are strained to breaking point and the strength of human spirit, albeit with a comedic feel. This independent mockumentary style film made me think while I laughed and at times, cringed. I never felt that it preached to me about the whole climate change debate, but somehow at the end I felt that I had been enlightened slightly. Maybe it is because the film was actually shot on floating ice caps, with the whole handy cam feel, that it gives you a sense of actually being with the characters as they struggle with their adventure, through the good times, and the bad.With twists and turns at many points, this film kept me guessing till the end.A definite must see, even if it's only for a laugh.

I flew to San Francisco to see this film...and it was well worth it! I can honestly say a majority of the audience enjoyed it as much as I did. Lots of laughter! And for Alexander Skarsgard fans, you get to see his comedic side once again as a gay Norwegian Olympic champ.Stephen and Rhys do a remarkable job portraying best friends; their chemistry together makes one think they have known each other for ages. Rosie Cavaliero who plays Brian's wife, Sandra is fantastic - while she is riddled with worry about her husband, she is also supportive of his decision. Helen Baxendale and Mark Benton do a great job as key roles throughout the movie.All in all, I give the film ten out of ten stars. You will find yourself laughing out loud with the audience and learning an important lesson on global warming as well. Director and co-writer, David L. Williams had the right idea to use comedy to raise awareness to the masses on the issue.