BOYHOOD was screened at the Pyramid on Friday as part of Culture Warrington's season of classic and contemporary film.

It proved perfect timing as Richard Linklater's acclaimed movie has just won a host of awards at the Golden Globes and was named Film of the Year by the London Critics' Circle.

David Morgan enjoyed the film and explains why it would appeal to any viewer.

DIRECTORS often try and capture the drama of normal everyday reality.

Life through the eyes of a child, coming-of-age tales and films about relationships are plentiful.

But rarely has the whole picture of someone's life been put together in one feature and never has it been filmed over 12 years in this hugely ambitious project by Richard Linklater.

Boyhood sees Ellar Coltrane play Mason Evans Jr and the film charts his character's life from the age of six to 18.

So you see his relationship with his mum (Patricia Arquette) in a single parent family, squabbles with his sister (Lorelei Linklater) and his errant dad's (Ethan Hawke) attempts to bond with him over their shared love of Star Wars and the Beatles.

Later on you see Mason's attempts to fit in with friends, stand out through his love of photography, his run ins with his stepdad, his first job and girlfriend and finally his high school graduation.

Just a snapshot of a normal life but to see someone grow up in front of you in under three hours is astonishing.

Linklater described Boyhood as an 'experiment' and it paid off, marking a landmark in filmmaking.

It is a drama rather than a documentary but the film has a completely natural feel to it, offering the viewer a window into Mason's family and friends' lives at key points.

It is disarming too because the years pass with no warning as Mason slowly gets older and more independent and basically grows into a very likeable person.

Pop culture fans will also be able to keep track of what year it is from the film's soundtrack and references to films, books and games.

Featuring great performances and incredibly well crafted, Boyhood is essentially the kind of film that could appeal to anyone.

If you are young there is that instant connection and if you are a little older you can look at it with a warm sense of nostalgia.

Parents will be reminded of the reward and sacrifice that comes from bringing someone into the world while it also offers a poignant 'fast forward' glimpse of what is to come for new parents and parents-to-be.

Ultimately, Boyhood celebrates life and the great journey it offers.

- Boyhood is out on DVD now.

- Culture Warrington's season of classic and contemporary film continues with Breathless at the Pyramid on February 13.