Herald rating: *
This astonishingly unfunny English comedy serves up the depressing sight of one of acting's great dames sleepwalking through her work, and an alluring array of talent looking desperately out of place.
It seeks to pay homage to, but actually mocks, the fine Ealing tradition (it specifically references The Ladykillers).
Atkinson as a daffy vicar (reprising his Four Weddings clergyman) which was already a reprise) lives in Little Wallop (!) where his neglected wife (Thomas) is being seduced by the local golf pro (Swayze).
Enter a new housekeeper, the ageing Grace (Smith), and several family difficulties begin to evaporate.
If you put the title together with an opening flashback, and you haven't worked out by the 10th minute what's happening and what's going to happen, you will probably love the film because it will be full of surprises. And very good luck to you.
CAST: Maggie Smith, Rowan Atkinson, Kristin Scott Thomas, Patrick Swayze
DIRECTOR: Niall Johnson
RUNNING TIME: 103 mins
RATING: M
SCREENING: Hoyts, Village, Berkeley, Bridgeway, from Thursday
Keeping Mum
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
