Review No. 179: Fast Girls

Plot: Fast Girls is set around the world of female athletics and stars Being Human's Lenora Crichlow as Shania an aspiring sprinter who was raised on a council estate receiving training from local shop-owner Brian played by the brilliant Phil Davis. Shania's trials are successful though she finds out that she has to compete against rich girl Lisa Temple whose father David, played by Rupert Graves, is a former gold medallist himself. After initially turning down the offer to be a part of the relay team she accepts when a spot opens up after a veteran athlete is injured however she then finds out she has to team with Lisa. The two form a begrudging respect however this is torn apart when Shania finds Lisa in a clinch with team physio Carl whom she has a thing with. As the trials approach Lisa and Shania clash on the track however they eventually learn that if they can work together then they'll be unstoppable.

Positives: This is a well-crafted debut feature by Regan Hall which predictably focuses on the exciting and well-shot running scenes. Though the story is rather corny the cast is strong led by the formidable Crichlow who adds an edge to Shania never making her feel like too much of a stereotype. Crichlow is ably supported by the rest of the relay girls and even Lily James as Lisa grows into her role by the end of the film essentially creating a believable chemistry between the teammates. Co-writer Noel Clarke has an undeniable likeable energy in his performance as team coach Tommy while both Phil Davis and Rupert Graves lend an able to proceedings. Fast Girls is incredibly formulaic but I have to say I was really involved with the characters' fates and was emotionally invested enough to really care about the final relay.

Negatives: The whole love interest angle involving Shania and Carl the physio really feels out of place with Crichlow and Bradley 'King Arthur' James having no chemistry whatsoever. I didn't really buy the fact that Shania's feelings for Carl were what made her argue with Lisa and jeopardise her place on the team mainly as I didn't think he was her type. I also felt that Shania's 'council estate' friends and family members were a little clichéd with their constant partying and lazy behaviour.

Verdict: Fast Girls may be cheesy and predictable but it is well-paced, well-shot, fun and has some brilliant performances plus the fact I was rooting for the characters at the end of the film must be a sign of my enjoyment so for that reason it gets 7/10