what we did on our holiday
2015 review number 16:
What We Did on Our Holiday: (Comedy/Drama): 70 out of 100: This is a feel-good British comedy where the child stars dominate the screen. They actually outshine the adults, even though there are some well-respected performers in Rosumund Pike and Billy Connolly. They still do a good job but it's the kids who seem to get all the laughs and attention.
This is a dysfunctional family if ever there was one. Doug (David Tennant) has separated from his wife Abi (Rosumund Pike) after having an affair. They now live in separate houses with their children staying with mum. They pretend to be happily married so they won't upset Doug's dad, Gordie (Billy Connolly) who is celebrating his 75th birthday with over 200 guests. The family's troubles are seen from the beginning as they prepare for their car trip from London to Scotland to attend Gordie's party. They continue during the trip and upon arrival at Doug's brother's place where the party is being held. Gavin is also at loggerheads with his brother and just about everyone else. It's only Gordie who adopts a more relaxed attitude to life but that's probably because he knows he doesn't have long to live.
The three children are the stars of the movie as they say the darndest things. Some people might not like this however as they will say they are being manipulated in talking the way they wouldn't normally talk, but it's the way they deliver their lines that make them succeed. Connolly also has some funny lines and the veteran comedian seems to be having a ball in his role of the family patriarch. Pike and Tennant as the parents are solid without being standouts.
A movie with the word 'holiday' in the title needs to live up to that and this movie does so with some beautiful location shots of Scotland. You will fall in love with the glorious scenic views. You might even be tempted to book a holiday in Scotland after seeing this movie. All the visual beauty is accompanied by a music score that is easy on the ears.
There is a nice mix of comedy and drama although the one-liners overshadow the dramatic aspects of the movie. Some might even say that the children don't show enough emotion when there is a dramatic turn of events in the narrative. There are some farcical elements throughout the movie but they are mostly reined in.
"What We Did on Our Holiday" is something you can definitely enjoy if you are after some laughs. It might not be totally memorable but it is still entertaining and will appeal to comedy audiences.
Starring Rosumund Pike, David Tennant and Billy Connolly
(97 minutes)
Parental advice: Adult themes
Additional scene during or after credits: No
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9Lp1DVXIrE (Movie trailer)
(Reviewed on Sunday 1st February, 2015)
For my latest reviews, go to this link: http://mlaimlai2.wix.com/magical-movie-review
