The Time of Their Lives

Looked forward to seeing Pauline Collins BUT should have stuck with the Shirley Valentine version of Shirley Valentine's story of older woman going out and finding her freedom and her life ! This was a convoluted and messy film with way too many closeups of overly made up Joan Collins and a plot that seemed forced and uninteresting. The humor simply was not funny and the family relationships seemed fake from start to finish.

Franco Nero as Tom Conti substitute was pleasant enough but the instant romance, such as it was, made little sense.

Recommendation is to skip this one and watch Shirley Valentine ... where the obnoxious "friend" is just a small part of the film and not the co0star.

I have to say I enjoyed every single moment of this, a truly moving, funny and engaging movie that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Two actresses I have always admired, both true talents, combining once again to great effect. The pair had worked together many years before in an episode of takes of the unexpected, back then Joan was the star, with Pauline somewhat in her shadow. A similar tale here, but as it goes on you see there's depth to both characters. Some great humour, mostly from Joan, and some heart breaking moments, many from Pauline. I urge you to watch this film. 9/10

Who would think a road trip movie in France with 2 elderly actresses would turn out to be quite interesting and unexpected in the direction things take. An unhappily married woman with a nasty husband and a former movie star setting off to a funeral of a director in France end up together on a trip in Brittany - Ile de Re. The scenery is interesting - not as beautiful as the South of France but watchable for it being unfamiliar.

It's refreshing to see different older actresses in this kind of roles. A nice change from Maggie Smith and Judi Dench. Joan Collins has an expressive face and manages to convey comedy and emotion well. Some actresses her age have too much botox and can't show any expression at all. Pauline Collins isn't as well preserved but she is perfect for her role. Franco Nero plays an Italian artist and love interest.

Worth a watch.

There are so many films that try to make the story line so hard to follow; this is not one of them. I look forward to the sequel - there is much more adventure and life ahead of both of these women and how their families accept their new found joy of life. Bring it on.

This film tells the story of a nice old woman in an unhappy marriage, who bumps into a former film star. She is coerced into a trip to France by the film star.

The two women have very different personalities and very different hearts. One is nice, helpful but carries a burden in her heart. The other is a selfish and manipulative woman who will use everyone around her. Different things happen to them, and it's refreshing to have a reminder that nice things happen to nice people. The scenery is nice and the weather is beautiful too. There are many things to like about this film. It is worth a watch.