Based on true events, California Schemin’ tells the story of the late 90s Scottish rap duo Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd, who don fake American accents in order to make it in the music industry. Re-recording their songs, claiming to be a big deal back on the West Coast and besties with Eminem, they head to London and manage to bag themselves a record deal.
James McAvoy’s first director credit, California Schemin’ promises a turbulent ride for Silibil N' Brains as they wrestle with both the web of lies they’ve told to succeed, and their entry into money and fame.
California Schemin’ screened last night for Cineworld Unlimited members, and if their reviews are anything to go by, you should book tickets to go and watch California Schemin’ when it opens on 10th April.
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James McAvoy gets the thumbs up from Unlimited members as he directs for the first time in California Schemin’.
Very entertaining. A wild true story which I wasn’t previously aware of. McAvoy proved a natural behind the camera and produced strong performances from his leads and the supports
— The Fourth Dimension (@Mike_J_Lord) April 6, 2026
And a special shout out to Elaine Gracie and Archie Thomson, too.
Really enjoyed it. Great directorial debut for McEvoy. Very solid.
— 🍔 Gastro Celtic 🍀 (@Gastro_Celtic) April 6, 2026
Writers need extra commission for making those two fairly likeable also btw.
Turns out fame does change ye, and sometimes not for the best. Still, Jada loves the duos personalities and watching their transition from nobodies to rich and famous.
i really really loved this, i’m obsessed with the way their personalities really changed during it!!! definitely need a rewatch
— jada ✈️ (@ninthdctr) April 6, 2026
Great fun. You know they must get caught out for their lie but they are so charismatic, you want them to succeed. What price fame?
— Peter Sisson (@velvetcactus198) April 6, 2026
Don’t be fooled, the character studies in California Schemin’ need to be studied.
A fascinating film blurring of the lines between the characters facade and their true identities; and it's devastating consequences on their lives. I liked how the protagonists had an inverse shift in personalities and mindsets as the movie went on.
— Joseph (@JCarroll1515) April 6, 2026
And while Oi isn’t exactly dripping with praise (still entertaining!!), they do hit one defining quality about California Shemin’... It’s very Scottish!
It’s safe for a debut but it’s still very entertaining, funny and filled with heart. It’s also very Scottish which is definitely a plus for me
— oi (@chazzer63) April 6, 2026
As a fellow Scott herself Fionna was thrilled to welcome California Schemin’ into the hall of fame of this very specific sub genre. And she even spotted herself!
Really enjoyed it!! A music film based around Scotland is my favourite sub genre of films!
— Fionna 🧡🤘🏎️✨ (@tinkster1999) April 6, 2026
Was great to Scotland spot!
And then further spotting myself during the Barrowlands scene! 🥰🥹
Don’t forget, this is a biopic of musicians – and the music definitely slaps in California Schemin’.
Lastly, our favourite Letterboxd review for California Schemin’... If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!
You can book to go and watch California Schemin' at Cineworld now – out on 10th April.
BOOK CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN' TICKETS
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