Boiling Point & Andy and the Band

Before your phone rendered the entire idea of  literature redundant as it continues to deepen its inexorable grip on your soul, you may well remember reading something called a book. They aren’t novel to noted bibliophile Howie; well he can at least recall seeing a movie which had books in it as he picked the Top 5 Books in Movies for us to discuss, presumably in an ill-fated attempt to convince us he isn't the knuckle dragging simpleton we know he is. We watched BOILING POINT, the astonishing Netflix film from writer/director Philip Barantini. Things deteriorate over the course of one evening for Head Chef Andy; already metaphorically spinning plates before entering his restaurant, a snivelling little pencil pusher has downgraded his Health and Safety rating to three stars. With a dining room packed full of obnoxious racists and demanding Instagram influencers, an unexpected visit from partner/mentor/rival Alastair Skye and a famously caustic food critic comes at exactly the wrong moment. Front of house Beth's hopeless inexperience shows as she increases the pressure on a kitchen already burdened with language barriers, basic health violations, lazy kitchen porters, self-harming pastry chefs and, if you can believe it, much, much more. An utterly compelling technical achievement, the cast are all excellent with dazzling performances from Stephen Graham, Vinette Robinson, Ray Panthaki and Stephen McMillan in particular. Filmed in a single take which strengthens the general mood of anxiety that starts as soon as this film begins and continues to gather pace right towards the climax, this is highly recommended by all of the Dads. Andy Day is Cbeebies longest serving presenter, starting way back in 2007, so the chances are that if you have spawned a child since then you will have heard of him. Unlike two of our dads who profess to being oblivious of the multi-talented performer. Not to worry though, Andy superfan Dan is on hand to guide us as we discuss ANDY AND THE BAND, a two season CBBS series about a problem-solving kiddy rock band who help their fans. In the episode "Ruby the Superfan", Andy's sister Ruby wants to meet her hero, a vlogger named Fay Moss putting their latest gig at risk. With roadie Whiff dressed up like a one-man Whitesnake and only too happy to take their place, will the band appease Fay and her surly bodyguard Sebastian long enough for Ruby to meet her idol AND make the gig in time? Will there be a cleverly crafted message about being aware of what might be fake or true in the media which also subtly highlights the collective vapidity and lies of social media and plots about how you should avoid celebrity worship and learn your friends are your real heroes? Well, yes. now that you come to mention it. Good wholesome content. Although  thinking about who the groupies are for this band is a troubling thought.We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. Try us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad DadsYou can now text us anonymously to leave feedback, suggest future content or simply hurl abuse at us. We'll read out any texts we receive on the show. Click here to try it out!We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at [email protected] or on our website baddadsfilm.com. Until next time, we remain... Bad Dads