Good film, but overhyped

Rating: 6/10 (9 April 2001)

Billy Elliot is a touching, funny story with great acting from Jamie Bell (Billy), Gary Lewis (Billy's dad) and Stuart Wells (Billy's friend who is just discovering his sexuality). Julie Walters as Billy's chainsmoking, swearing, ballet teacher is good too, but she is starting to get stereotyped in this type of role. Jamie Bell's dancing was excellent.

That said I don't think it was deserving of all the attention it got. It was a little formulaic and predictable. Ken Loach did this type of thing much better(and funnier)with "Kes".