I don't mean to say it's a rip-off of TBC, but the comparison is unavoidable, as old chums get together for a weekend at a large manor after not seeing each other in 10 years. That's pretty much where the similarity ends, however, as Peter and his friends are far more interested in dealing with the here and now than in rehashing the past. True, the past does provide some background to the story, but it is not the omnipresent theme as in TBC. It was surprising to see both Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry play it straight -- the opposite of what you'd expect from these extremely funny men. Tony Slattery of Whose Line Is It Anyway? fame provided much of the comic relief with his bumbling boyfriend shtick. Rita Rudner (who co-wrote the movie) is also funny as Kenneth Branagh's neurotic Hollywood wife.
It's a watchable movie but there are few surprises and one can't help but feel that Branagh and Emma Thompson are not even stretching their acting muscles here. Still, I would recommend it as most of the characters are likable and the writing is good.
It's a watchable movie but there are few surprises and one can't help but feel that Branagh and Emma Thompson are not even stretching their acting muscles here. Still, I would recommend it as most of the characters are likable and the writing is good.