Life and Lyrics

"Good things don't happen to people like us" is the downbeat conclusion of south London youngster Fable (Christopher Steward).

And he might have a point. Rejected by his natural mother, his "family" is a hip-hop posse who lives on a run-down Brixton housing estate.

Providing the backbeat for the crew is his "brother" Danny (Ashley), a record shop assistant who suffered an abusive upbringing in foster care.

However, when Danny falls for Carmen - a lawyer by day and singer by night - he distances himself from his buddies and his support network threatens to fall apart.

There's also the problem that Carmen's cousin is a record producer up to his neck in debt... and the leader of the rival posse to Danny's Motion Crew.

Like Bullet Boy (and unlike Kidulthood), this is a level-headed look at black youth culture, distinguished by first-class performances and credible evocation of place.

Highlights include an 8 Mile-style rapping competition - largely improvised - where the personal insults get cringingly vicious.

It's a movie of high spirits and a refreshing change from grunting hoodies swaggering around the joint demanding respect, Whatever that is.

Tim Evans