Director: Shane Meadows Writers: Shane Meadows & Paul Fraser Cinematographer: Ashley Rowe Tim: Danny Nussbaum Darcy: Bob Hoskins Tim's Dad (Geoff): Bruce Jones Tim's Mum (Pat): Annette Badland Gadget: Justin Brady Knighty: James Hooton Daz: Daren Campbell

This is 1990s working class Britain as portrayed in twenty-five-year-old Shane Meadows' first feature. These are the sort of lads Shane grew up with on the Bestwood Estate in Nottingham.

Meadows insisted on shooting "TwentyFourSeven" in black and white because, as he says, "it reminds me of the films of my childhood; those beautiful old black and white films that had a real identity. It also has a strength and clarity that lets the performances shine through." And in the hands of Meadows and experienced cinematographer Ashley Rowe, this is certainly the case.

Bob Hoskins gives a wonderful performance as Darcy, a tough little man with a big heart fired by the belief that all the lads need is something to believe in. He makes a bargain with them - if he can win a football shootout against them, they will help him resurrect the local boxing club. To their surprise the rag-tag collection of no-hopers find themselves in training, venting their pent up anger and aggression in the ring, slowly learning discipline and gaining self-respect.

Alongside the experienced and respected Hoskins is a range of younger, less experienced actors who bring tremendous energy to their roles. Danny Nussbaum took time out from his drama studies to make his acting debut and is particularly moving as the troubled Tim.

The film has a great soundtrack by Neil MacColl & Boo Hewerdine. They played with the 80s band The Bible and have written for the likes of The Pogues, Bob Geldof, and Paul Young.

"TwentyFourSeven" invites comparisons with "Trainspotting" and "The Boxer", but remains very much an original. It is funny, energetic and moving. It doesn't offer easy solutions but it does offer hope.

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