Has it really been twenty years since I first saw
Julie Walters in "Educating Rita," and more than a decade since Helen Mirren
first crossed my radar in "Prime Suspect"? And now here they are with
graying hair. It's astonishing. (Helen Mirren at least managed for forewarn
me with her appearance in "Gosford Park," for which she co-won a Cosmo for
Best Supporting Actress.)
"Calendar Girls" is in some ways like "The Full Monty,"
only a little older with a tad more estrogen. Although it is a comedy, the
film - like most good comedies - shows heart, depth, solid characterization,
and an opportunity for the characters to evolve and grow. There are no real
surprises in the film, but it nevertheless is immensely enjoyable and well
worth seeing.
In addition to Best Comedy, for which the film could be a
strong competitor for a nomination, Helen Mirren could score her second
Cosmo nomination with the film, this time in a leading role, and Julie
Walters could also be considered for Best Supporting Actress. Both are on
pundits' medium-range lists for possible Oscar consideration. And the film
could also conceivably be considered for Best Historical; though the events
only occurred about four years ago, they are real events, which in some ways
makes it a likelier candidate than the highly fictionalized "Master and
Commander" and its ilk. It's one drawback here, aside from the recentness of
the events depicted, is that the film, as heartwarming and as wonderful as
it is, doesn't really portray the issues of its time (unlike a film like
"Shattered Glass," for example). It could have occurred any time within the
last few decades, or the next few, which weakens its "Best Historical"
claims but may strengthen it in other ways.
My grade: A -
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