Rated 12A for language, 98 minutes. ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
Dustin Hoffman directs Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins, Billy Connolly, Michael Gambon and the delectable Sheridan Smith in this wrinkly romcom set in a home for retired musicians. Wilf (Connolly), Reggie (Courtenay) and Cissy (Collins) are three members of an operatic quartet who are set to sing at the annual fundraising concert. But when Jean Horton (Smith), the fourth member of the quartet, and Reggie's ex-wife moves into the home, things start to get complicated.
At first glance you'd be forgiven for thinking this is rather similar to last year's Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Well, you'd be not far wrong, and indeed Maggie Smith stars in both films. Both films appeal more to the parents and grandparents, rather than the kids, and that was borne out by the audience at the showing I attended. (It's unusual for me to be at the younger end of the audience!)
There was plenty of banter, repartee and live music. The saucy exchanges between Billy Connolly and Sheridan Smith got plenty of laughs from the audience.
This was Dustin Hoffman's directing debut, and Maggie Smith has been nominated for the Best Actress - Comedy or Musical award at this year's Golden Globes.
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