Who are Drewe?

Based on the critically acclaimed graphic novel by Posy Simmonds, Tamara Drewe sees the lives of people within a country writer's retreat spiced up when sexy newspaper columnist Tamara (Gemma Arterton, above) returns to her childhood home. It's the latest film from veteran British director Stephen Frears (The Queen, Dangerous Liaisons, High Fidelity) who is in familiar territory steering a romantic romp-com.

To Frears credit he has kept very closely to the tone, pace and style of the graphic novel - even perfectly duplicating the speech bubble flashbacks. Moira Buffini has done a solid job adapting Simmonds screenplay by adding necessary back story and forming the collection of personalities within the writer's retreat. But adjusting the ending to make it lighter and more cinematic was a misfire.British `It Girl' Gemma Arterton doesn't quite shine as much as she did in her last role in The Disappearance Of Alice Creed, but she encapsulates the vulnerability, intelligence and sexiness of Tamara Drewe. However, it's the supporting cast that steal the show from under her - namely Dominic Cooper (above) as a drummer from a popular indie band and Tamara's fiancée. It's a role that could have teetered over into stereotype if not handled correctly, but Cooper masterfully becomes Ben Sergeant and provides some of the more colourful moments. Other standouts include newcomer Jessica Barden as a surly British teenager and the always impressive Tamsin Greig as the under-appreciated wife of a famous novelist.

Tamara Drewe is a fantastically sunny film that while touching on a few serious issues manages to stay upbeat and, for the most part, very amusing. Despite everything coming together a little too perfectly in the end, it's the British humour, adept direction and colourful characters that get it across the line.Tamara Drewe is out February 3.