'Strange Fruit' was a 70s rock band of excesses. Their last gig in 1977 was cut short by a lightning strike. Twenty years later, keyboardist Tony Costello (Stephen Rea) is looking to reunite the band. Karen Knowles was the band's gofer who is now a single mom to Clare (Rachael Stirling) with a hotel job. Bassist Les Wickes does roofing. Lead singer Ray Simms (Bill Nighy) is now sober but hasn't produced a thing. Drummer Beano Baggot (Timothy Spall) works in the nursery, lives in a trailer on his mother's property and running from the tax woman. Lead guitarist Brian Lovell seems to be dead. Their roadie Hughie Case (Billy Connolly) shows up with all their old gear. They find a new lead guitarist in young Luke Shand.
This is a likable group of actors and characters. There are some emotional drama and a few good laughs. It's a nice light-hearted comedy. It could be funnier and there is room to be wackier. The songs could also be better. Nevertheless, the group is sweet and they have good chemistry together.
This is a likable group of actors and characters. There are some emotional drama and a few good laughs. It's a nice light-hearted comedy. It could be funnier and there is room to be wackier. The songs could also be better. Nevertheless, the group is sweet and they have good chemistry together.