From The Full Monty to Brassed Off, everyone loves a film about down and out middle age men rising above their circumstances to achieve the extraordinary and Sink or Swim ticks all of those boxes in the most heart warming of ways.

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Bertrand is depressed, been out of work for two years, and spends most of his days lying on the couch playing Candy Crush. While at the local swimming pool he sees an advert for the local synchronised mens swimming team and decides to join, much to the amusement of his extended family. The rag tag bunch of men then decide that they will enter their team into the mens synchronised world championships.

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This is as predictable a film as they come, it ticks all the needed boxes, but that still doesn't mean that it isn't wonderfully acted with real laugh out loud moments. The men all face a variety of challenges and setbacks: one has anger issues and has lost his family over it, another is on the brink of bankruptcy, and another is a gentle but simple man child who works at the local pool and is bullied by the polo team. 

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There are some keen observations about mens mental health and their suppression, due to societal norms and pressures, not to speak out or express feelings which is briefly touched on. Its at these moments that Sink or Swim rises above the level of feel good comedic drama and touches on the real. Even though its fairly predictable a night out with the synchronised mens swimming team of Sink or Swim will do you the world of good. 

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Sink or Swim doesn't offer anything new but it doesn't have to to be a funny, heart warming night out.