Off the Rails

This clever inversion of the road movie genre sees a group of women trying to recreate their teenage Interrail journey from London to Mallorca and wittily confronting the reality of life in their 50s along the route.

Making the most of its superb cast and great Blondie soundtrack, the film powers through Europe and a succession of misadventures that threaten to derail the journey. Strong female characters are front and centre throughout the film and when Dan (Ben Miller) tries to ride to their rescue he finds the ladies have other ideas.

Trainspotters may quibble about the representation of the European rail network, but film buffs should look out for the cinematic references: the final scene, for example, is a carefully-crafted homage to Thelma & Louise.

The film is released at a difficult time: Brexit and Covid took a toll on the very idea of European travel and, of course, Kelly Preston sadly died last year. However, the essence of the film is a promise of new beginnings and it ends with a sorely-needed message of hope.

During the past 12 months, I have attended screenings of more serious, topical movies which have moved me to sadness, despair and frustration with our planet's current state.

This is a refreshing, purely joyful departure.

If you are a woman of that 'challenging' age this one will make you smile.

I expected nothing as I took my seat, and was transported to a familiar time when Debbie Harry and her band Blondie ruled the radio waves.

I cried, laughed, sang along and allowed myself to reminisce about a happier part of life, when my friends where not obsessed with followers on whichever social media app.

The critics won't rate this one highly, but I say, sit back relax and enjoy!!!

Don't analyse the plot, (there is no sub-plot to follow), just let this delightful movie simplify the world.

I'm so very glad that I am not a professional critic. I was able to let 'Off the Rails' take me away to blissful memories.

P. S. : Watch for the glorious cameo from yummy Martin Shaw! 🤗

I laughed and cried throughout this beautiful film. This is truly a gem for my generation, the forgotten ladies in our 50s who have a wealth of experience and plenty of life yet to life. We can all relate to at least one character in Off the Rails, which is not only a timely reminder to live life to the full, but also to appreciate the friends we have and to come out of the pandemic wiser and kinder.

I also secretly love that middle aged male critics don't get it. This one is for us!

The script is dull, cliched and not very believable. I also don't think there's a lot of chemistry between the 'friends' (or emotion, it feel contrived). The lack of character development might be explained by a lack of understanding where each person has come from, seeing as they have been separated for so long and have each obviously lead very different lives with different challenges (let alone what they were like when they were young).

If only the script was better, maybe this movie may have had a chance...

This was a sweet film overall. I expected more from the trailer. I enjoyed how this film focuses on the strength in female friendships. Sally Phillips stood out and was hilarious as usual! The plot was weak mind you so I certainly wouldn't lose sleep over missing this.