Quartet

[raj101]

As we already had one wasted journey to Shepherd's Bush last week I just want to double check: is that really a 10.30am screening tomorrow at Wimbledon? On a Friday?
Is anyone going?

I was checking the screening times for friday at Kingston, and it appears that 2 screens have no movie scheduled to be shown on them before 12.30pm. This strongly suggests that one of these apparently 'fallow' screens will be showing a free screening on friday morning (since 2 screens are rarely left unused until that time).

It seems Odeon are going ahead with a free screening at Kingston anyway, so likely they will elsewhere.

[Kaybeelon]

Just a warning for those who wanted to go to Wimbledon to tomorrow's screening morning by tube:
According to TfL there is no service between Wimbledon and Edgware Road tomorrow because of Engineering Works, Bus Replacement Service only - or trains e.g. from Clapham Junction.

[newdot]

nice & easy

[Beate]

I thought this was incredibly boring. If these kinds of retirement homes really do exist they must cost a fortune, so it should have said "retirement home for FILTHY RICH musicians" on the sign really, and I don't understand why it would need financial help. Everyone was walking round in make-up and pearls and nice clothes (or, in Michael Gambon's case, weird ones). Everyone was jolly and singing all the time. It was predictable like hell and even Maggie Smith couldn't save this story, where every second word was "Rigoletto" and they attempted to get down wiv da kids by explaining the difference between opera and rap. They gave Billy Connolly a few funny lines as a randy old git and that was it. The dementia sub-plot really annoyed me because she should have got proper help and got properly diagnosed instead of being in a home that is not specialised in that sort of care. That really pissed me off, what good is it to wait until she isn't lucid anymore and doesn't recognise people? But as long as she can still sing some Verdi...

The old dear next to me fell asleep almost immediately and snored throughout. I envied her.

5/10

[Ms Thrifty]

Looking on the bright side, Beate, maybe you are too young for this film!

And on the subject of films for/about older people, whilst I was waiting for the forecast this morning, I could see there seemed to be an item about this on BBC TV. Maybe the idea is catching on at long last...

[raj101]

After being moved to a slightly larger screen, we settled into this very much Sunday morning film fare really, set on one location, comfortablely paced, pretty in that way posh English houses are... really seemed a Billy Connolly vehicle, for whom all the best lines were saved. Really the movie took off when he was on screen, and ebbed when he wasnt.

I'll take back what I said about zimmerframes, since there was an abundance of walking sticks around. The main actors looked a bit too spritely to be retired and in need of residential (billy C doesnt look remotely in need of a stairlift yet) which I guess you can again forgive if you want a set of Brit A graders on the cast, and anyway it appeared that the supporting cast were there to convince us we were in the presence of 'oldies'. It was interesting to see something about a residential homes runnings, especially the relaxed, almost 'hotel staff' role of doctors there, even if it didnt feel realistic most of the time. Tbh this movie was never going to be realistic, was it?

Highly predictable lightweight plot, and fairly pleasant, unless you were looking for a pacier movie. 7/10

[Celini]

am I the only one that was extremely disappointed (I actually felt cheated) by the lack of the highly anticipated last scene [spoiler]the quartet finally singing together[/spoiler]?

[Diane65]

I really enjoyed this film and I have been into private residential homes like this (obviously not for retired musicians and as you say Raj very hotel like) but I am still amazed that people do actually go into them when they are still so active. I loved all the main characters and a thoroughly enjoyable fim especially as I enjoy classical music 7/10

[rawsalsa]

I thought this was incredibly boring. If these kinds of retirement homes really do exist they must cost a fortune, so it should have said "retirement home for FILTHY RICH musicians" on the sign really, and I don't understand why it would need financial help. Everyone was walking round in make-up and pearls and nice clothes (or, in Michael Gambon's case, weird ones). Everyone was jolly and singing all the time. It was predictable like hell and even Maggie Smith couldn't save this story, where every second word was "Rigoletto" and they attempted to get down wiv da kids by explaining the difference between opera and rap. They gave Billy Connolly a few funny lines as a randy old git and that was it. The dementia sub-plot really annoyed me because she should have got proper help and got properly diagnosed instead of being in a home that is not specialised in that sort of care. That really pissed me off, what good is it to wait until she isn't lucid anymore and doesn't recognise people? But as long as she can still sing some Verdi...

The old dear next to me fell asleep almost immediately and snored throughout. I envied her.

5/10

Beate your review was so funny that I had to re-quote it.

Although I agree with nearly all of your comments, I have to say that for me, overall the film was saved by the the musical/operatic moments & because of this I would give it 6.5/10

[Beate]

LOL, in my case it was "Oh God, they are singing again, quick, let's adjust my ear plugs".

I have to agree with Diane65 - why do these sprightly people need retirement homes? If they are that rich that they can afford the Beecham's Flu Plus one they could just as well stay in their mansions with several servants? Haven't they got kids they could annoy by living with them? The last thing I would want to do when I grow old is have to live in a posh boarding school where I am supposed to be the one putting on the entertainment.