Films to Look Forward to Spring 08

Spring has a number of treats in store for fans of British and foreign films.

Spring is set to bring a number of interesting films to the screen. I'm particularly looking forward to Garth Jenning's Son of Rambow, a film set in the1980s about two young boys who watch a pirate video of Rambo, inspiring them to make their own film, Son of Rambow.

Release date: April 4th (UK).

Mike Leigh's Happy Go Lucky is picking up plenty of awards, especially for lead actress Sally Hawkins. Happy Go Lucky is about a cheerfully optimistic London school teacher who lives life to the full. It was recently previewed on the Film Four channel, and it looks great. Mike Leigh spoke candidly about making the film which, as always, relied on an improvised script. (Much as the French New Wave directors did back in the 50s). He said that having got to know Sally Hawkins while working with her on Vera Drake and All or Nothing, he felt it was time to give her centre stage. Happy Go Lucky also stars the brilliant up and coming young actress Andrea Riseborough, seen recently on British TV Screens in the fabulous Being Human and Party Animals.

Release date: April 18th (UK)

Guillermo Del Toro is up to his old tricks with the spooky looking Spanish horror film The Orphanage. Del Toro is the big name producer behind new director Juan Antonio Bayona. Despite Del Toro's non-directorial role, the film still closely follows his trademark mix of psychological tension and supernatural fantasy. The posters alone are enough to awaken long forgotten nightmares.

Release date: 21st March (UK).