What a delight of a movie! So many familiar faces, so many of which we have seen age over the years, but all willing to accept the passing of those years and to take on roles that acknowledge that although we may age, we are still able to make our mark when needed.
Of particular note was the brief but touching appearance of John Alderton as a man dying of leukemia, but facing it with courage and humour. Helen Mirren as a woman determined that her friend should not be forgotten who comes up with a way of raising funds for his memorial, that is at first dismissed by her friends - who later become involved with enthusiasm and dedication. The wonderful Julie Walters, the still lovely Celia Imre and Penelope Wilton (who is forever in my mind as Annie in The Norman Conquests)playing a doting wife who on finding out what a rat her husband is - overcomes all her fears, throws herself into the project and thoroughly enjoys herself in the process.
It is all great fun, but also a marvelous example of what can be done with a bit of imagination tinged with a sense of humour. Only the British can pull off this type of movie - and they really succeeded in this instance.
Of particular note was the brief but touching appearance of John Alderton as a man dying of leukemia, but facing it with courage and humour. Helen Mirren as a woman determined that her friend should not be forgotten who comes up with a way of raising funds for his memorial, that is at first dismissed by her friends - who later become involved with enthusiasm and dedication. The wonderful Julie Walters, the still lovely Celia Imre and Penelope Wilton (who is forever in my mind as Annie in The Norman Conquests)playing a doting wife who on finding out what a rat her husband is - overcomes all her fears, throws herself into the project and thoroughly enjoys herself in the process.
It is all great fun, but also a marvelous example of what can be done with a bit of imagination tinged with a sense of humour. Only the British can pull off this type of movie - and they really succeeded in this instance.