Greatest Days

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Alan W Belatedly, we have the music of British 90s boyband, Take That, being Mamma Mia-ed into a jukebox musical, and this inevitable, though kinda low-budgeted, film adaptation which spins some of the corniest and mushiest narratives into a very typically Brit-com dramedy that normally will make my eyes do somersaults in the back of my head. A reliably watchable Aisling Bea plays Rachel, a pediatric nurse in either London or Manchester (the geography in this film is terribly inconsistent and/or confusing) who, after winning tickets for a reunion concert in Athens for her favourite boyband (now obligatory multi-racially composed, unlike the very white Take That, for maximum inclusivity/political correctness), is reunited with her school friends/fellow fans (ditto multi-racially composed) whom she hasn't seen for 25 years. Tim Firth's screenplay is hardly subtle, but while how each of Rachel's school friends turned out is random but mildly amusing, the (not particularly) shocking event that led to them growing apart is subjected to some of the most hackneyed obfuscation in operation here. What does work and saves this from being a total disaster is firstly its fresh and likeable younger cast, with Lara McDonnell's young Rachel a perfect match to Bea, while the older cast with indie actor/filmmaker Alice Lowe and comedienne Jayde Adams amp up the comedic factor. Most importantly, we have the nostalgic magic of those incredibly hummable hits which are proficiently infused and incorporated into the narrative without them feeling jammed in. Coky Giedroyc's direction of those musical numbers is assured and pleasing and almost makes the terribly sentimental and predictable plotting palatable. Add an extra star to my rating if you're a middle-aged female Take That fan as this would make a perfect Saturday night's entertainment for you and your mates over a bottle of Rosé or three. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 09/21/23 Full Review Jonathan M Weird and annoying celebration of mediocrity and making do. Why can no-one cast in this musical sing well? Rated 0.5/5 Stars •  Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 08/29/23 Full Review Lee W I'm not a chick flick fan, but as I live in Clitheroe, it was a buzz to see how much our town was 'promoted' in this film (and watching it being filmed). Bea was great, brought out with good character, and the other actresses did a great job with our accent and our humour too! It's a sentimental piece, with a swig of Friends mixed with inventive use of 'The Band' as side characters, and a good sing-a-long too! Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/27/23 Full Review Natalie S I am not a Take That fan but seen as I am 38 and don't live on Mars I do know all of the songs referred to in this film/musical and its great nostalgia. But what I think resonated the most was the storyline. For anyone who used music as an escape in their teens (any kind of music) or for anyone who's friendship circle suffered a traumatic change, this film will really hit a personal note. Brilliant! Even if it is a bit cheesey, but who can't enjoy a bit of cheese now and then? Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/26/23 Full Review Dean N An excellent feel-good, tear-jerker of a movie with some real standout performances, interesting character development, and an excellent soundtrack. Definitely worth a watch. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/26/23 Full Review Alan M Enjoyable, funny and emotional with a good playlist a very good cast of relatively unknown actors who have a good chemistry between them who have done an excellent job. Well done to everyone involved in bringing the stage show to the screen. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/25/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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