A One Mann’s Movies review of “California Schemin’”. (2026, 4*, 15).
James McAvoy is one of Britain’s greatest exports as a star in front of the camera, but with “California Schemin” – although also taking a small acting role – he uses his years of experience to craft an elegant little film telling a fascinating true story (or ” true lie” as the opening accurately describes it).
The plot here concerns a case of things in pop music not being quite what they seemed. This story is nothing new, with the 1980’s band Milli Vanilli being perhaps the most famous case of deception but with other examples being Plastic (“Ca Plane Pour Moi”) Bertrand; Boney M; and even Take That releasing songs where the singers on the record were not who you might have thought they were. In the light of some of these deceptions, the duo of Billy and Gavin’s transgressions seem less of an issue…. for here, they are simply putting on different accents but still performing the music.
One Mann’s Movies Rating:
Plot:
It’s the early 2000’s. Billy Boyd (Samuel Bottomley) and Gavin Bain (Seamus McLean Ross) are two slightly offbeat lads from Dundee with dreams of making it big with their rap music. But they are literally laughed off the stage at a London audition because of their broad Scottish accents. So they come up with an audacious plan: they will assume the personas of two Americans from the ‘Greater LA’ area and try again as the duo “Sylibil N’ Brains”.
Certification:
UK: 15; US: NR. (From the BBFC website: “Strong language, drug misuse”.)
Talent:
Starring: Samuel Bottomley, Seamus McLean Ross, Lucy Halliday, James McAvoy, James Corden, Rebekah Murrell, Amber Anderson, Sonny Poon Tip.
Directed by: James McAvoy.
Written by: Elaine Gracie & Archie Thomson. (Based on the autobiography by Gavin Bain & Billy Boyd.)
Running Time: 1h 47m.
Summary:
Positives:
- Although it has some bumps in the road, this is a decent feelgood movie which, for me, had a certain air of “I Swear” about it as it had vivacity but was grounded in gritty reality. The linkage is probably also partly because of the Scottish setting and because Seamus McLean Ross, who plays Gavin/’Brains’, has a sufficient likeness to BAFTA-winner Robert Aramayo to make me go “is it him?” when I first saw the trailer.
- Although this is McAvoy’s debut directing job, you wouldn’t think it: it’s a deft piece of work with well-crafted shots. A sequence where they are trying to learn American accents by repeating classic phrases from films and TV (“WE WERE ON A BREAK!”, LOL) was particularly well done.
- The true story behind the film is fascinating. The first section of the film, where the unintelligible Dundee lads (you really do need subtitles for the rap lyrics) go from rejection and despondency to a record deal and glory, is particularly enjoyable. The fall from the heights is less of a fun ride, and as a viewer you get cross on behalf of Mary (Lucy Halliday), but is still extremely well done: there are really vibrant concert scenes that must have been great fun to film.
- The three lead actors – Samuel Bottomley, Seamus McLean Ross and Lucy Halliday – all do a really creditable job and are very believable, with Ross as the slightly oddball Darren being particularly effective. It’s also good that McAvoy doesn’t over-insert himself into his own film: his appearances are brief but brilliant as the music impresario, giving off Simon Cowell ego-vibes.
Jury’s Out:
- The ending feels a bit twee, but I *assume* it is still based on real events so I will need to let it go. I hope that is the case though.
Negatives:
- James Corden is always a bit of a live grenade in any film, as many moviegoers have a visceral dislike for his schtick. Here he doubles down here by playing a music exec from another record company, with an eye for rap and a love for M and M’s (is this a subtle gag about Eminem, or am I writing my own stuff here?). However, the role is so sufficiently like his ‘Smithy auditioning for Comic Relief‘ gig that his presence I found to be a bit of a distraction. (And when he watched MTV and realised ‘the truth’, wouldn’t the first thing he would have done is call up the head of the fellow record company with a “WTF?” phone call?)
- The general fall-out from the ‘reveal’ also feels a bit underplayed. We have the whole business of the ‘posh’ Amy (Amber Anderson) and Simon (Sonny Poon Tip) who first turned the guys down and not recognising them when they returned, but we never see any reaction shots of them finding out the truth…. which feels like a missed opportunity for comedy.
Monkeys?
Stay for the start of the end-titles, since there is a ‘monkey’ of the actual Bain and Boyd doing their actual home video that you see them making in the film. It shows how well McAvoy delivered this that it took me a minute to realise we were not just rewatching clips of the film again!
Summary Thoughts:
This I found to be surprisingly good, since I hadn’t heard much buzz about it going in. It’s a typical rock rags to riches to rags story, but with a neat twist. And very well made: Mr McAvoy should take a bow.
Where to watch?
Trailer:
The trailer for the film is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUTSyu4Ovcc.
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