Confetti

Director: Debbie Isitt

Starring: Stephan Mangan, Martin Freeman, Jimmy Carr

Described as “Love Actually, but with teeth”, Confetti is a film which will not fail to make you laugh. Full of well-known actors from many hit TV series like Green Wing, Spaced and The Office, the film oscillates from one laugh to the next, bares all (literally) and is this year’s number one British Comedy.

The subject of the film is simple enough. Confetti is Britain's number one wedding magazine and its publisher (Jimmy Carr) has made a career of documenting the cutting edge in nuptial ceremonies. Along with his editor, he stages a contest to see who can run the most original wedding of the year and the grand prize is a dream house. The film follows three couples competing to win: 'the tennis couple', 'the musical couple' and 'the naturists'. The picture follows all the couples in a three-month run up to their big days, each being thwarted by some force or other, including a particularly overbearing mother, the editor of Confetti insisting that nakedness just isn't an option, and ideas of other couples getting preferential treatment.

The film is a pure British comedy of embarrassment and is really very funny. Most of the script was improvised on set and so the dialogue is very fresh, natural and tailored into a mockumentary. This adds to the authenticity of the film and there are many intentional cringe-worthy moments (think David Brent). Martin Freeman definitely steals the show with his everyman persona but the whole cast (being the best comedic talent from both BBC 2 and Channel 4) are quite excellent. Particular gems are Archie and Gregory, the camp wedding planners, who are completely committed to each couples' happiness.

I wouldn't recommend the film for a first date (the awkwardness might be excruciating!) but Confetti is definitely the must-see comedy of the summer. Who will win? Will any of them actually get married? Will there really be a naked wedding? Will the camp wedding planners get together instead? There's only one way to find out.

Victoria Galloway