Film Review: ‘Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie’ Too Thin to be Completely Winning

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly versionE-mail page to friendE-mail page to friendPDF versionPDF version
Average: 5 (2 votes)

CHICAGO – As far as TV shows that fans wish could be movies, the cult hit “Absolutely Fabulous” was high on the list. The adventures of Patsy and Edina, two middle age Brits with an appetite for self medication, has had a dedicated following since it premiered in 1992. Even though there were six full TV seasons, and various reunions, “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie” has emerged.

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.0/5.0
Rating: 3.0/5.0

Although series creator (and portrayer of Edina) Jennifer Saunders wrote the screenplay, the film suffered with a not-quite-enough storyline that made 90 minutes seem longer. However, there are some magic and bizarrely funny moments in the film, even though the substance-abusing duo are getting a bit long in the tooth to keep the characters viable. But this is “Ab-Fab,” and viability is not really high on the radar, darling. For fans of the show, this is welcome fun, and for those not as familiar, caveat emptor.

Edina (Jennifer Saunders) is a high powered publicist in London who supports a large crew of family and hangers-on, including her daughter Saffron (Julia Sawalha), her mother (June Whitfield) and nutty best friend Patsy (Joanna Lumley). Her fortune is running low, however, and her ex-husband is about to foreclose on her house. She needs a new high profile client.

Acting on a tip, she attends an opening that features the supermodel Kate Moss. While approaching her prey, she accidentally knocks Moss off a ledge and into the Thames River. Patsy and Edina are now wanted fugitives for the murder of the model, and go on the lam in search of new fortunes – while imbibing tons of liquor and whatever else will give them an even temperament. 


“Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie” opens nationwide on July 22nd. See local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha, Jane Horrocks, Mo Gaffney, Chris Colfer, Lulu, Kate Moss and Jon Hamm. Screenplay by Jennifer Saunders. Directed by Mandie Fletcher. Rated “R”

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie”

ABFAB
They’re Back! Edina (Jennifer Saunders) and Patsy (Joanna Lumley) in “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie”
Photo credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie”

User Login

Free Giveaway Mailing

TV, DVD, BLU-RAY & THEATER REVIEWS

  • Manhunt

    CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.

  • Topdog/Underdog, Invictus Theatre

    CHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.

Advertisement



HollywoodChicago.com on Twitter

archive

HollywoodChicago.com Top Ten Discussions
tracker