Just perfect...

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Paddy Considine really out did himself this time. What a spectacular film. The acting from everyone in this feature is outstanding and Paddy who also wrote and directed undoubtedly is a star when wearing all 3 hats. The videography was sharp and well crafted the sound effects along with intense music made you feel the emotions from the characters, unfortunate as it was even when his head felt like it was going to explode.I don't do spoilers so I won't speak much about the storyline you can read the synopsis yourself, but Paddy wrote this so superbly there won't be enough time in the day to pursue every offer he will soon be receiving to act, write and or direct. Congrats to everyone involved in this film you should be proud of yourselves.I give this a Totally Awesome movie rating at 9 for 'Journeyman' meaning someway somehow this needs to be the next film you see. It packs a heartfelt punch.

Paddy Considine's Journeyman is just a wonderful film. It's tough to watch, but the performances and direction are just so good that you can't help but be pulled into it.Paddy Considine and Jodie Whittaker are nothing short of terrific. Their chemistry is palpable and they each bring depth and subtlety to their characters. I might sound like I'm gushing about the film, but it really is that good. Considine's performance is disconcertingly good and one of the best I've seen in my whole life. He underplays it perfectly- his tics and facial expressions are technically brilliant and hard to watch. Whittaker may have a supporting role, but she shines brightly, bringing warmth, strength, complexity, and devastating emotion to a character that I don't think would have been as good in the hands of another actor. Just like with his previous and equally good (if much more shocking) Tyrranosaur, Considine once again directed award-worthy performances from the cast. Paul Popplewell and Anthony Welsh also give strong, emotional performances that turn supporting characters into real-feeling people.Journeyman is also directed and edited very, very well. There are some moments that have you on the edge of your seat and that are genuinely scary, while others will move you to tears (THAT scene). The editing is sharp and shocking and the score is also good. Laurie Rose captures the action cleanly and brightly. 5 stars. This film will stick with me.

I don't have much to criticize when talking about Journeyman. Actually, aside from the fact that Jodie Whittaker wasn't in it enough, I don't have anything to criticize at all. Journeyman offers a new perspective on boxing movies- one that focuses on life outside of the ring and the importance of the sport- and on the loss of self, portrayed by Considine in what is one of the best performances I have ever seenI'm surprised that Paddy Considine wasn't nominated for anything more than a BIFA for Best Actor. His performance is meticulous, engrossing, and heart-wrenching, easily among the best performances that I have *ever* seen by an actor. The role of Matty is one that any other actor would overplay, but Considine's measured portrayal proves just how great of an actor he is without ever feeling vain. He fully embodies the character in every way imaginable, leading to one of the most captivating and honest performances I have ever seen.The supporting performances are also uniformly strong, but it's Paddy Considine's show and he's transcendent. I do wish that Jodie Whittaker had more to do- but she leaves a big impact in the little she has. And Considine's acting during that phone call scene...Overall, Journeyman is a very strong film because of it's powerful performances and good direction. It's heart-wrenching and well thought out, and it's a film that's worth a watch just to see how good Considine's performance is.

Boxing is a very well decorated sports sub-genre. You can list off a number of high-quality films from this category that have received high praise from the audience and been given a number of major awards. Two of them have even won Best Picture at the Oscars, Rocky and Million Dollar Baby. But nowadays, I think it's tough to make a really good one now. I feel it as a bit of a worn-out genre. There's not much else you can do different with it.Now that I've seen Paddy Considine make and star in his own Boxing drama, the story certainly concentrates outside of the ring rather than in it. That's definitely a root that might refresh this genre.But I felt to be really torn with this one in the end. It starts off with some potential. But I think the pacing of it and general look to it made it look pretty ordinary and dare I say more of a TV drama.The second half does get better and by the end of it it was a heart-wrenching finale and that was all thanks to Considine.Paddy Considine was great. It's hard to know what to think of his performance at first. But by the turn of the second half, that's when he truly shines and we get a couple of really emotional moments that did not have a dry eye in the house by the end of it.Jodie Whittaker was a solid support and had great chemistry with Considine. But sadly, like with a lot of this film, her performance felt better suited to TV.I've briefly mentioned this already, but the major problem I had with this film was that none of it felt cinematic. It felt more like an excellent one-off TV drama that would win many National TV awards. The story does fall into the trap of a what you expect in a TV movie, the forced themes and melodramatic presentation.It is a real shame, because Considine's performance comes out really strong by the end of it and enhances everything around him.Despite the high praise for his acting, there was very little exceptional content outside of that I'm afraid to say. After his incredibly powerful directing in Tyrannosaur, it pains me to say that this did feel disappointing. It's certainly made with good intentions and I think it is still worth seeing for Considine's acting. But maybe wait until you can access it from your home, as that seems to be where you get the best viewing experience.Rating: 7/10