‘Bank of Dave’ – Review
Get ready for a quirky true-life story of a real ‘David vs Goliath’ in Bank of Dave, which shows how the little guy can come out on top!
In an incredible true story of guts and determination, The Bank of Dave follows self-made businessman Dave Fishwick (Rory Kinnear) who in a bid to help out his local community and do the right thing, decides to take on London’s financial elite and start his own bank. But the ‘Big Boys’ of the banking world won’t have a bar of it, and soon Dave and his reluctant lawyer and alley Hugh (Joel Fry) mount their campaign to see that the Bank of Dave becomes a reality.
When it comes to feel-good cinema, one of the best places to look is the British film industry which crafts some of the most heart-warming and rewarding cinema to watch. And that’s where Bank of Dave sits. Directed by Chris Foggin, Bank of Dave is based on the extraordinary true story of Burnley businessman David Fishwick, who following the 2008 Financial Crisis wanted to craft a change for his community and set up a local Burnley bank that would assist his community and pay it forward to the community in local charity events. The only problem was that Fishwick had to contend with a financial system that controlled the market, and where a new bank hadn’t been created in more than 150 years! Bank of Dave is his story, and it’s a tale of ‘David vs Goliath’ played out with plenty of laughter, hi-jinks and feel-good energy that will make you believe in the power of the little guy.
Cast in the lead role of Fishwick is noted performer Rory Kinnear. As one of the British film industry’s best character actors around, Kinnear has a complete handle on character and performance, and he effortlessly slides into the shoes of Fishwick’s good-natured and cherry businessman. The best word to describe Kinnear’s performance as Fishwick is sincere, and the audience sides with him instantly as you feel his desire to help his local community to the fullest. A classic ‘glass half full’ optimist, Kinnear’s Fishwick doesn’t let anything stand in the way of the Bank of Dave, and even though he knows he’s taking on the establishment, ploughs ahead with cheer and enthusiasm, and it’s these qualities that will bring a smile to the audiences face.
Thrown amongst Dave’s almost impossible feat to open a new bank is Joel Fry as Dave’s put-upon lawyer Hugh. While he might be known for his comedic flair, Fry changes things up in Bank of Dave as this ‘straight man’ character. Starting off as a corporate realist whose only desire is to get Fishwick’s case over so he can return to his life in London, Hugh soon falls for the eclectic Dave and the spirit of Burnley and becomes a leading partner in helping him to reach his goal. Fry has considerable chemistry with Kinnear and his co-star Phoebe Dynevor who plays Dave’s niece Alexandra. Credit also needs to be given to veteran thespian Hugh Bonneville who is perfect as the smirking villain of the piece, and who is not going to let an outsider challenge the very nature of England’s banking system.
Along with its feel-good narrative and excellent casting, Bank of Dave also hits it out of the park thanks to the music of legendary British rock band Def Leppard. Bringing their classic heavy metal riffs to Bank of Dave leads to a wild time for audiences, and there’s a considerable edge added to the narrative thanks to the band’s appearance.
Bank of Dave is an all-around fun-filled and heartwarming story of how the everyman can win out in the end, and you’ll be smiling from ear to ear and feeling that warm, fuzzy feeling when the credits begin to roll.
Image: Reset Film
