Last Orders Reviews
Michael Caine, Helen Mirren, Bob Hoskins and Ray Winston. Couldn't go wrong. And it doesn't. Excellent.
Absolutely brilliant, talented cast make this story.
In the final summing up, what's in a life? Drama, dreams, experiences, relationships, family and friends. Life is what we make of it, and looking back on it all at the end of it is key. And as the character of Jack says on his deathbed, the first one of a group of friends to die is the lucky one, which is precisely my wish -to b the first one of my circle to go. This film looks at life all along the way and sums it up as rewarding, no matter what. And excellent cast of my favorite veteran Brit actors give their best to a movie that makes you think and reminisce at the same time. Definitely worth a watch!
Touching and important story of parenting, love, self v other, finding your calling, and friendship.
Last Orders is a British set comedy drama about a bunch of friends who have been asked to scatter their late friend's ashes in the seaside town of Margate. The story is a sober but enjoyable one and although the film is maybe a little dull at times, it still manages to be one of reflection and humour that are very well mixed together. Starring such actors as Michael Caine, Helen Mirren, Bob Hoskins and Ray Winstone, this is one film with a real Crème de la crème of British talent and also one that for some people could be a real highlight. As said I did feel the plot plays out a little boring at moments but it never gets so dragged down in dullness that it becomes bad. The whole tone is never really happy even in the well, happiest of times, something always seems to come a long to make the moment a little sadder and this is one reason I couldn't ever love this film. Having said that all the sadness surrounding the passing of Michael Caine's character Jack and the spreading of his ashes is one of fine characters, each with unique personalities and back stories which interweave into each other's very nicely. I felt of all the acting on show here it is really Helen Mirren who shows off her talent and is just fantastic as Amy(Jack's widow) who is a depressed yet loveable character, caring for her intellectually disabled daughter who has never said a word to her in her life. It is all yet again rather sad but Amy has been created to be just used to it all, even Jack's death we see has bothered but not broken her, she is just a sad person but one who can still have a laugh now and again. Bob Hoskins is good as Ray who is Jack's best mate and he seems to bring a good presence to the screen alongside all the others. One more person to compliment is Ray Winstone as Jack's adopted son Vince, Winstone seems to work the character rather well, blending an honest man with a man who also has demons and anger, brought out a lot by the character of Lenny(David Hemmings). I couldn't help but feel this is a kind of movie that tried to maybe push for awards, and it did work, but maybe not on the level they really wanted. Sure Mirren deserved the credit but as a picture this is nothing special, the kind of movie that is alright don't get me wrong but just not good for numerous reasons. Fred Schepisi is not one of those reasons, I mean I didn't think either his directing or writing were great but importantly they are steady and make the picture one that is a close one, where you connect with the characters, Schepisi really tries to draw you in and make it as if these people are real. I think this movie is the kind of thing that sure, on a quiet Sunday lazing about, this is the kind of thing that may just be very enjoyable. I felt throughout the film goes for the sweet stuff from the first minute with heart and emotion everywhere trying to hit you hard so you too maybe shed a tear. For me this isn't strong enough a movie to make me sad but I do admit there are scenes in it(especially with Mirren in them) that make your heart drop, and the scenes to be fair with her daughter are both heartbreaking but also show us Mirren's complete talent.
Holy crap are the old buggers boring. Michael Caine. Bob Hoskins. Tom Courtenay. All grade A performers but put them in a story that plods and give them dialogue that doesn't zing and you'll be napping before you know it.
Boring but watched all the way through anyway
Great actors and acting. Simple story that surprisingly affected me. It's unforgivable that they cast Bob Hoskins and Ray Winstone in a movie together and NOT making them father and son :)
The film is not perfect but the performances from the fantastic cast kind of make it so, one of the most brilliantly acted films I have ever seen even if the structure is sort of off. A few moments got me, some moments made me laugh, I managed a few tears. Last Orders is a good story if anything. And brilliantly acted.
A simple but pleasant little film. The scenes set in the forties are the weakest mainly because the young actors aren't up to the considerable standard of the old heads.
The film is not perfect but the performances from the fantastic cast kind of make it so, one of the most brilliantly acted films I have ever seen even if the structure is sort of off. A few moments got me, some moments made me laugh, I managed a few tears. Last Orders is a good story if anything. And brilliantly acted.
Jack Dodds was a stand up guy, the lynch pin of a group of friends who had been through a lifelong journey together. This story is a sentimental journey for his friends and family as they make there way to Margate, Jack's final wish to be laid to rest. Each one of them takes us through there friendship with Jack with brilliant flashbacks, some with laughter and the good times others with tears. This is a drama which will provoke emotions within you. Slightly making you feel like your on a roller-coaster ride. A beautifully shot film with exceptional cast each bringing there own personality to the screen. A good British cockney film which should touch even the hardest of hearts.