The climax might have been more fulfilling if the characters had done more to earn the outcomes. Spud is given an option that doesn't seem earned and The Guv's situation changes abruptly in a manner that doesn't seem the logical and necessary progression of prior events. Various subplots converge at the climax in manners that are not unexpected, but don't seem entirely earned. While the film seems predictable in many respects, one expects various elements to be more fully developed and to have a greater impact on the story. He reads 'A Tale of Two Cities' and performs in 'Oliver Twist,' but there is no effort to draw any parallels with the country's political events or Spud's circumstances. Spud attends a posh private school on a full scholarship, but while he is bullied, he's never bullied over his modest background. It occurs during a turbulent period in the country's history, but the school is isolated from political events. The story is set in South Africa, but could just as easily have been set in Britain, Canada, Australia or a number of other locations.

There are a number of unique elements to the story that seem largely squandered. The plot is familiar and often predictable however, the execution is so organic that one seldom feels aware that one seldom feels conscious of viewing a film, even during the frequent voice-overs.

Other performances are generally solid, particularly Cope and Kriek.

John Cleese delivers what is possibly his career best performance in a dramatic role. Urn:oclc:727644569 Republisher_date 20120426042521 Republisher_operator Scandate 20120424080537 Scanner .'Spud' is a pleasant coming of age comedy with stellar performances by Sivan and Royal. Access-restricted-item true Addeddate 16:42:17 Bookplateleaf 0008 Boxid IA179301 Boxid_2 CH110701 Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark II City New York Donorįriendsofthesanfranciscopubliclibrary Edition 2007 Softcover Edition.

Spud by john van de ruit