Third Star

Benedict Cumberbatch is James, a man dying of cancer in this amiable but laboured ensemble piece. James convenes three male friends for a coastal camping trip so they can say their goodbyes. Mostly it’s an off-road movie as James’s pals carry or push him in a homemade rickshaw, and there are various hiccups of the emotional and slapstick kind along the way. Each of his friends are formerly creative types lingering in less artistic jobs, and James takes it on himself to vent anger about their failed ambitions. The script is too full of events and outbursts for it truly to convince, but the actors bring charm to the film and director Hattie Dalton has a pleasingly light touch.