Why so much hype?

Don't listen to the negative reviews

The movie runs out of plot and jokes well before the end of a two-hour running time, long for a light comedy.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

I only saw 'Shank' a few weeks ago but for the moment it's my favourite gay-related film.People used to the powerhouse special effects of Hollywood could be disappointed, but people who can appreciate lower-budget film could find a little masterpiece in this one. Considering that most of the actors are young newcomers, the director is 21 years old and created on a very low-budget, this is a really well-done film worth watching.The story is fairly straightforward and not complicated to follow. It also doesn't hide anything, sexually or violently. The characters are well developed for the most part. The main character Cal successfully makes you feel different gambits of emotions, from hating him and despising him, to liking him and rooting for him. Wayne Virgo is very convincing as badboy Cal.The others characters are interesting as well. Tom Bott as Jonno, the macho yet vulnerable gang leader. Alice Payne as Nessa, a controlling broad with a mean streak. A lot of people claim that Marc Laurent as Olivier was the weaker character. While I agree, I still give him credit for doing the sex scenes (he was apparently very nervous) and later in the film his fear and panic seems pretty realistic to me.There are a few minor things I didn't like. The 'love-at-first-sight' relationship between Cal and Olivier (they're really different archetypes). Some things are a little too subtle as well; early in the film, Nessa attacks a girl seemingly out of nowhere for no apparent reason. Only after watching the film a few times did I understand why she did it (without spoiling it for you :) 'Shank' was a gritty, different type of gay movie from the norm out there. It has a good build-up, a good climax and a couple of twists at the end (you may or may not see them coming). Not for the weak of heart, but otherwise I definitely recommend it!

As a gay man I can understand why other gay men have found this film difficult to watch. It is disturbing.It depicts a very real story that looks at a young gay gang member hiding from his fellow hoodlums his sexuality whilst engaging in dangerous and at time's very unsafe sexual practices without their knowledge.Only a chance encounter (and subsequent love affair) with a victim of the gangs abusive streak arrests his spiral and descent into the hell of the ultimately bored undereducated unemployed subculture that does hang out on Britain's street corners intimidating all those who appear to have more to their lives than they do! This betrayal turns the tables and lives change - forever.Whilst I agree that some of the acting is clunky and requiring more schooling - it is all very valiant in effort. I haven't marked the film down for this as the direction, script and editing and urban soundtrack (balanced with some lovely score) keep you hooked to the last. The first frame of the film is carried with you to the last reveal and this satisfies the viewer considerably.This is a brave film, unique when set against the volume of gay films that are being released that have nothing new to say and tread well worn clichéd paths. I genuinely applaud it. It's unique interwoven story deserves at least a 9 out of 10 on its own.It might not be comfortable viewing for many but it packs a punch that resonates for a long time afterwards - a mark of a good film. Quite rightly it reminds us that despite more liberal legislation of late gay life is still uncertain, insecure and gay men are still very vulnerable from fearful attitudes.

Watch the opening even if it is hard to do. It will take a while before everything starts to fall into place. UK street punk with the life he is use to is trying to find his real self. There are many subplots to this film which are not understood or known until late in the film. I think this is a great film and believe it will remain one of my favorites.The plot I will not go into for to do so would totally ruin watching the movie. Hang in there and you will see a film which will make you think a lot.Since I am an American, it took a little getting use to the UK setting with cars driving on the left, yet it would be easy to have made this movie in the US. Give it a try.

While Independent films are not my usual cup of tea, I have enjoyed many through the years ("Sex, lies, and videotape" etc). I do not expect high production values or good cutting. I try to keep an open mind and look for break out performances or decent writing. The plot of "Shank" is fair and has potential. The execution by Simon Pearce is less than desirable. His overuse of symbolism and rough cut edits between subplots is so erratic that it makes the film difficult to follow at times. One way to smudge a scene, if you haven't got a shot in editing, is to add a blurry, out of focus shot as filler. I found too many of those to stay in my comfort zone.What did I find good about "Shank"? The dilemma of the gang person who is trying to find his own identity a good plot device. The subplot with the school teacher played a necessary role in the morality part of the story. However, when one actor carries such a heavy load as Wayne Virgo did for the part of Cal, then I believe you need to cast for more than just type. You must cast for talent. Marc Laurent did a good job as the French student and had a great sense of mise en scene. Another cast member that stood out was Tom Bott as Jonno. While his final scene was a bit much (director is responsible here), I thought he has great potential past this film.Today, thanks to advances in technology, young gay people have a choice of film subjects and styles geared toward their orientation and subculture. "Shank" tries to be honest and address the concerns of many young gay men, although the execution needs a leg up... to use the vernacular.