I Used to Be Famous

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I Used to Be Famous

2022

1h 44m

Drama

Music

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Popcornmeter

89%

Tomatometer

9 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Vince used to be in the hottest boy band around. Now the troubled former popstar is alone and desperate. He dreams of making a comeback and starts performing in the streets of Peckham, in the hope that someone, anyone, will listen. An impromptu jam with Stevie, an autistic young drummer with an incredible gift for rhythm, sparks an unexpected friendship between the two misunderstood musicians. Together they form a unique bond through the power of music.

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Glenn Kenny

New York Times

It’s all pretty predictable...

Sep 15, 2022

Full Review

Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

The narrative structure is whoppingly predictable, yet the journey is sweetly handled, and the performances deeply likeable.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 9, 2022

Full Review

Leslie Felperin

Guardian

This soppy Netflix feature may tickle the tear ducts of even some cynical viewers, particularly if they have a soft spot for stories about special needs kids exceeding expectations.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 6, 2022

Full Review

Aaron Neuwirth

We Live Entertainment

It does allow viewers to see Ed Skrein cast against type as a musical loser dreaming to make a comeback. Honestly, that was enough for me.

Rated: 6/10

Oct 7, 2022

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Jayne Nelson

Radio Times

The film sparkles thanks to Skrein's committed, sensitive performance.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 22, 2022

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Stefan Pape

Common Sense Media

Sweet British drama has neurodiverse lead, strong language.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 17, 2022

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spoko s

Utterly predictable in pretty much every aspect. Even the supposed twists feel shallow and forced. The acting is fine, I guess, though there’s not much to work with. And then ending is absolutely atrocious. Without that ending, I might have said it was worth watching if you just want the feel-good and can shut off your brain. But if you can shut off your brain sufficiently to enjoy that finale, then I don’t really have anything for you anyway. Oh, and the music sucks, too.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

10/10/25

Full Review

Susie S

Well done. While I wasn't 100% sure of how the main character resolved (did he sign the contract or decide to stay and lead the drum group?), the rest of the film made up for it. I definitely recommend watching this film.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/17/25

Full Review

Rebekah F

Very well done! Ed did a fantastic job portraying his character. It's heart felt and raw; not over produced. Another one in the box for Ed!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/30/24

Full Review

Todd B

Really good movie. It is a bit of a throwback, and sadly, movies like this are rare these days. The character arcs were well done, and the plot moved along without any holes or lulls. It's a fun, feel-good movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/06/24

Full Review

Julian P

Really wanted this movie to do it for me, but it didn't.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

11/01/24

Full Review

Apol L

This movie gives you a different perspective of the life after popstardom. It's a new story. Ed Skrein's acting was the best I've ever seen in a while! He should have won an Oscar for this one.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/20/24

Full Review

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Eddie Sternberg

Director

Ed Skrein

Vince

Eoin Macken

Austin

Lorraine Ashbourne

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Synopsis

Vince used to be in the hottest boy band around. Now the troubled former popstar is alone and desperate. He dreams of making a comeback and starts performing in the streets of Peckham, in the hope that someone, anyone, will listen. An impromptu jam with Stevie, an autistic young drummer with an incredible gift for rhythm, sparks an unexpected friendship between the two misunderstood musicians. Together they form a unique bond through the power of music.

Director: Eddie Sternberg
Producer: Collie McCarthy
Screenwriter: Eddie Sternberg, Zak Klein
Production Co: Viewfinder, Forty Foot Pictures
Genre: Drama, Music
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2022
Runtime: 1h 44m

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