Escola para Garotas Bonitas e Piradas

Okay, so I don't usually watch this type of film but after being gagged and blind folded I didn't have a choice. The first Belles of St. Trinian's was made in 1954 and to be fair to St. Trinian's 2007, it has remained close and true to the original concept. As usual, the school is threatened with closure by their bank and education board and responsibility to save the day falls on the pupils.

Gemma Arterton is the head girl, who's voice is made for Eastenders but has the presence and looks to become a big star and along with Talulah Riley as new posh girl Annabelle Fritton carry the film forwards to it's satisfying conclusion.

Rupert Everett steals the show and with a fantastic cast of quirky children and familiar faces including Colin Firth, Stephen Fry as himself, Lena Headey and our very own Jack Sparrow, Russell Brand make the film all fun.

What's nice about St. Trinian's.is that the whole cast of characters get a chance to do their bit, it's all team work, it's St. Trinian's.

This film was entertaining and has something for everyone, especially if you are young at heart. There were quite a few in-jokes about certain members of the cast - one of the schools which competed against St Trinian's in the School Challenge quiz was Rupert Everett's old school (Ampleforth) and the "Another Country" comment was brilliant. There were also references to Mr Darcy and of course Colin Firth had another go at the wet-shirt scene. I was impressed by the schoolgirls, who did a good job of convincing me that they were unruly but not clueless and could organise themselves if they wanted to. I am a huge fan of Rupert Everett and he excelled in drag (always knew he would) and his interactions with Colin Firth were as much fun as in their 2 previous outings together (Another Country and Importance of Being Earnest). I was also thrilled to be watching another Ealing Comedy, since I live a stone's throw from the famous studios.

From the ashes of Ealing rises a film worthy of the studio name.

A fun packed, good natured, girl-powered romp complete with obligatory wacky robbery plot so beloved of the studios' classics. Though the plotting wavers the abundant energy carries it through with hardly a glitch. Rupert Everett is a revelation and Colin Firth wisely plays it straight even whilst sending himself up.

A very UK film with lots of in-jokes for us 30 somethings (loved the 'Another Country' line), funny lines and nicely sketched stereotypes for younger girls to admire and younger boys to fancy.

Great for a family trip or as a personal time-passer, it sold out continuously in Glasgow for weeks, although a sequel really isn't warranted.

Enjoy it as the stand alone little gem it is, harking back to the days when films were self-contained little classics rather than potential sequel spinners.

My comedy of 2007!

P.S.- Remember to stay for the 'Girls Aloud' title song credits!

This film is about a group of delinquent school girls trying to save their school from closing using criminal ways.

"St Trinians" tries so hard to be modern, fun and trendy, but it does not work so well. The desperate attempt to update the film by constantly referencing modern films and stars sound tiring. The plot is contrived and uninspired. I have a hard time imagining the girls doing such a job for the school without benefits to themselves. There is also zero character development, making most of the girls faceless and nameless characters. It's a pity really, as Colin Firth an Rupert Everett are very likable in "St Trinians".

"St Trinians" is only marginally entertaining. It's likely that I will forget about it completely in a few months.

St Trinian's is neither a great movie or a terrible movie. It is an entertaining one, and I respect the fact, it wasn't trying to make itself a classic. It is constantly silly, but the performances from all involved make it a fun film to watch. The film does have a great soundtrack, and there are some very funny moments. The film does have its flaws, it is predictable, and the film's structure is rather episodic. The film's pace is a little uneven in places too. However, the script is sharp and witty, and the performances are delightful. Rupert Everett especially gives a stellar performance in the title role, and Colin Firth plays it straight as the Government Minister. All the girls are charming and likable, and the supporting turns from Stephen Fry, Anna Chancellor, Toby Jones, Celia Irmrie and Russell Brand(despite the dreadful German accent he had in one scene) are all fun. All in all, has its flaws, but entertaining nonetheless. 6.5/10 Bethany Cox