Last Orders (2001)

It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

This is a well told poignant story with a collection of great actors unsurpassed in any films of the past 10 years. Other than the regrettable casting of Kelly Reilly, a good actress, in the roll of the young Amy played by Helen Mirren who looks nothing like Helen Mirren nor has similar body language or general presence to her. However; this one small flaw does not keep this from being a very memorable film experience for the viewer.This well-crafted film has the appeal of being a learning experience as well as one of entertainment. I am a 'baby boomer' and most of us are coming to grips that life is a limited proposition and that the truth of life is that if one has made good friends and brought joy to the lives of others that we have lived a rich and full life and can face death without regret. If you have not seen this film watch it. If you have only seen it once, see it again as the second time viewing is even more rich with new learning and reward.

Americans will be pleased to hear that they are now incorporating subtitles on remote controls so that they can understand films like this which they perceive to be in a foreign language. Strange how the English never need subtitles apart from when Marlon Brando or Sylvester Stallone are on screen. The film was spoilt for me by the ridiculous toupee worn by Bob Hoskins (probably hired from Tony Bennett), the immense eyebrows of David Hemmings (The film's budget didn't run to a pair of garden shears to cut them) and the fact that professional Cockney Ray Winstone was once again playing professional Cockney Ray Winstone. Add the fact that Michael Caine was once again playing Michael Caine, I felt somewhat unfulfilled by this film despite all the gushing praise lavished on it on the preceding pages. I am not alone in my not liking of this film as someone at my office today on responding to my query about whether he had seen this said quote, "Yeah, bleedin' miserable rubbish."

Atmospheeric, brooding, and thought-provoking, this film is not to be missed. I saw it on TV, and cannot recall it having a run on circuit (in SA) in 2000.It is a totally non-pretentious film: some drinking, lifelong mates are going to scatter the ashes - the Final Orders - of a buddy who has died. Through flashbacks, we see the intricacies of relationships, decisions that are made, and memories that are shared.It's a deeply moving film, with excellent ensemble acting. I heartily recommend this film: it's rich, multi-layered and well worth watching. It's a story about life and living, although it deals with death!

Jack Dodds knows that he is going to die soon, but before he does, he wants to settle his affairs. Ya see, Jack here, he's got himself in a bit of trouble, hanging on too long to his dream of community, work and fun. He's gone and been left behind by the incessant march of capitalism towards the bigger, better and cheaper. His butcher shop has become "uncompetitive". Jack has come to realize this, but too late. Now, he's going to die. And Amy, his wife is going to have to suffer as a result after Jack carks it.Then, Jack gets this idea. He'll borrow some money from his son, Vince. You see, his son was supposed to take over the butcher shop, but Vince figured (rightly) that there wasn't a future there. Jack cajoled him and begged him to take it over, you know, the old father leaves the son the family business and then becomes the father himself to leave to the son trip. But, that don't wash over time. That was some other time. Perhaps, the last time, it was that time was in the 19th Century. At least, in England....So, but Vince, he's got cash now because he ignored his father and took up car salesmanship. Jack is dying. Vince comes to visit. What can Vince do? His pop asks him for money, YET AGAIN. And this time, he's on his deathbed...well practically. Vince coughs up some pounds and Jack then asks his old pal Raysie to use his best betting knowledge and put the lot on a long shot horse. This is a film about a fading generation of fast disappearing traditions, a generation who spent their lives together in one community and lived much of their free-time communing at their local pub. It's a story of camaraderie, friendship, betrayal, commitment, love and honour : C'est la bonne vie. Coming to terms with death and happiness, with loss and gain, "Last Orders" is a film which will not let you down.The cast and their direction are superb. You can almost feel Tom Courtenay's Vic, trembling as the loneliness of a long distance runner sets in. And Helen Mirren's Amy, once the belle of all balls, now the distraught, caring wife of Michael Caine's Alfie, turned honest, loving, joie-de-vivre-Jack. David Hemmings'...is that really the mod photographer from "Blow Up"? Ah and Bob Hoskins, lucky Raysie, survivor, friend and the unlikely winner, racing off to the land down under with one of his best friend's wives.