SEX AND DRUGS AND ROCK N ROLL FILM REVIEW

This film is defiantly for anyone who was into Punk or New Wave music and
portrays the Life of Ian Dury lead singer with the Blockheads. Throughout
the film Dury flashes back to his childhood days where he was grappled by
polio after swimming in the outdoor public swimming  pool at Southend. I
think that pool is still there and is now a boating lake but I remember it
as a child. There was also a large outdoor salt water public swimming pool
at Maldon Promenade that we use to swim in as kids.
Ian Dury is played by Andy Serkis who also played Golem in The Lord Of The
Rings. His performance throughout can only be described as brilliant not
just the acting but the singing as well. I personally think he should get
some sort of award for his performance that included violentt scenes from
those punk days in the 70s.
The film starts of with "good evening, my given named is dickie I come
from Billercay .  Other songs you may remember also in the film are , Hit
Me With Your rhythm Stick, Sweet Gene Vincent, Wake Up and Make Love with
me, Reasons to be Cheerful Part 3, Spasticus Autisticus, Black Mail Man
(Kilbern High Roads) Blockheads, Sex Drugs Rock n Roll,

Chaz Jankle who is now the lead vocals with the Blockheads now also
features in the film played by Tom Hughes, he was very influential and co
wrote many songs with Dury. The film has many moments that will make you
laugh and a few sad ones as well. Taking his turn in looking after his son
from his failed marriage during his ride to stardom features throughout
the film. I like the scene where Ian Dury and his son pose for photos for
the front cover of the LP - New Boots And Panties

All in all  I would recommend this film to any music fan particularly
those who grew up in the 70s and early 80s, not for those who can't cope
with some strong language. If you get a chance to see the Blockheads who
are on tour now I would recommend it as I  have seen them a couple of
times in this last year.

Maurice Jan 2010