topeka The film was marketed incorrectly, I'm sure. The Scottish-nationalist premise and the political message certainly would have prevented me from seeing the film had it come to our small town. But that's not what the film is about. I caught this flick on a lonely Tuesday. It was on a cheap disk marked 'fantasy' - no doubt because Billy Boyd starred in LOTR.What is this movie about? A college student hatches a plan to steal Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey in 1950. He gathers three accomplices, two of whom are engineering students. Based on a true story, this ridiculous plot actually happened, and the thieves were charged but never prosecuted for reasons that are obvious after watching the film.Why should you see it? Anyone who has been young enough, and dumb enough, and bright enough to give a flip about anything will be rooting for these idiots all the way through. The film takes a bit to get started, but once they decide to steal the Stone of Destiny, it actually runs quite fast, and if you don't pay attention, you'll get lost.The film is remarkably funny. Ever see a 1950's crime-comedy? The story might as well be a comedy. Even the villains - the British - are so charming and normal, one wonders why the kids are so intently interested in the Scottish nationalism.Why was the film panned? Young men, and one young woman valiantly risk their lives and their future for their nation and their community in a daring plot that could only succeed with a divine blessing they never bother to ask for. ... Need I say more? Patriotism. Virtue. Honor. Duty. Charity. Faith. Sacrifice. All wrapped in a plot so stupid only a couple of engineering students could hatch it. No propaganda. No Hollywood spew. The good guys are all Scots. What's not to hate? I'm surprised the flick was even made.If you can stand a flick with pretty good acting, not great, but not civic theater, and a bit of humor, you will enjoy this movie. It is set in the 50's, and but for a couple of probably unavoidable goofs, it feels like the real 50's.I gave the movie a couple of extra stars... it's a special gem we see so little of.

peiying Going by the title, I initially thought it would be some lame sci-fi flick about a quest for some magical rock. I am so glad I was wrong, and I am so glad I took the time to watch it.This heart-warming story about Ian Hamilton and his attempt to steal back a huge rock of historical importance to Scotland was, in my opinion, well-written, well cast, and very entertaining - you really can't help but feel for Ian and his friends. I especially loved how entertaining it was when Ian (Charlie Cox) and his oddball gang came across so many obstacles in trying to steal the Stone.I would definitely encourage you to watch it if you haven't already.

roger-a-edwards Went to the World Premiere of this film in Edinburgh. The event was quite exciting with a little speech by the director before the film began and Kate Mara, Billie Boyd, Robert Carlyle and Charlie Cox also at the event (and at the Gala Dinner afterwards).The film was a pleasant way to spend 90 minutes and it was quite an enjoyable romp. But I felt unsure about what the film was aiming to be. It wasn't funny enough to call itself a comedy and some of the humour was verging on farce (especially the scenes where the characters are running around the streets of London narrowly missing each other).It wasn't dramatic enough because the characters were on the whole cartoons and I didn't really feel involved or concerned about them - it seemed very "american formula road trip" but set in 1950s UK - nice handsome lead character, funny fat guy with a heart, pretty girl who starts off strong but ends up simply being the love interest for the lead character, and then the geeky skinny non-entity who makes good before the end. There was some tension in the scenes set in Westminster Abbey when they were trying to steel the stone - but you never really believed that they were ever going to be caught (but of course the 50s were years before mobile phones, laser burglar alarms, and burglars abseiling down from ceilings on micro wires.From a political point of view it was pretty full on in its portrayal of the Nationalist movement - but even this didn't feel fully developed and was perhaps more of an attempt to impress Sean Connery who is a staunch advocate of Scottish Independence and was at the Premiere as well as he is Patron of the Edinburgh Film Festival.Despite these comments I did enjoy the film. I probably won't buy the DVD but I may well rent it wen it comes out.

scruffybobby I just saw Stone of Destiny at its world premiere at the Edinburgh Film Festival. The stars and director were in attendance as well as Ian Hamilton and Alan Stuart themselves.I enjoyed this film very much. It's got humour and heart and characters that you can really get behind. You really want to see them succeed. It's also hard not to feel a swell of patriotism come the end -if you're a Scot. Otherwise you'll still get a warm feeling inside The cast are likable and their performances are good - although Charlie Cox and Kate Mara's accents weren't entirely convincing they both put in winning performances. The supporting cast are also good value with Stephen McCole making a very personable member of the team. Billy Boyd and Robert Carlyle do well with slightly limited roles.There are a few niggles - like the aforementioned accents - and some suspiciously green looking trees given that its set in winter, but these are minor. I can see this doing very well when it is put on general release, and that success will be deserved.