MOVIE - CALENDAR GIRLS - Review Rating $$$$$ $$$1/2 (OUT OF 10)

STARRING - Helen Mirren (Chris Harper), Julie Walters (Annie Clark), John Alderton (John Clark), Linda Bassett (Cora), Annette Crosbie (Jessie), Philip Glenister (Photographer), Ciaran Hinds (Rod Harper) & Celia Imrie (Celia).

DIRECTOR - Nigel Cole (Saving Grace)

The true story of a group of older women who honour an old friend's memory by posing for an "artistic" nude calendar.

The thing that may most impress you about Calendar Girls is how it nearly perfectly mixes humour with sentimentality without ever going for the cheap laugh or artificial teary moment. The story, like the women it is based on, almost never takes itself too seriously. Rather, with an admirable honesty that contributes to both the level of humour and humanity of the tale, the film captures the true nature of its characters; warts and all.

The same delicate balance struck between levity and somberness that makes Calendar Girls a film worth seeing also makes it less consequential. Despite the quality of the humour, the touching nature of the story and the excellent performances of this great ensemble cast of veteran actors, Calendar Girls never really rises above its "offbeat" news story nature. You'll laugh and cry but forget about both quickly. That's not meant to be a criticism but rather an honest assessment of the film's lasting significance.

Calendar Girls is a heartwarming and hilarious tribute that pulls few punches.

Check out my TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2003 & WORST MOVIES OF 2003 lists.

Alternative Reviews:

Roger Ebert's Reviews

Rotten Tomatoes Reviews

Calendar Girls Official Web Site

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