The Time of Their Lives

This film tells the story of a nice old woman in an unhappy marriage, who bumps into a former film star. She is coerced into a trip to France by the film star.

The two women have very different personalities and very different hearts. One is nice, helpful but carries a burden in her heart. The other is a selfish and manipulative woman who will use everyone around her. Different things happen to them, and it's refreshing to have a reminder that nice things happen to nice people. The scenery is nice and the weather is beautiful too. There are many things to like about this film. It is worth a watch.

Who would think a road trip movie in France with 2 elderly actresses would turn out to be quite interesting and unexpected in the direction things take. An unhappily married woman with a nasty husband and a former movie star setting off to a funeral of a director in France end up together on a trip in Brittany - Ile de Re. The scenery is interesting - not as beautiful as the South of France but watchable for it being unfamiliar.

It's refreshing to see different older actresses in this kind of roles. A nice change from Maggie Smith and Judi Dench. Joan Collins has an expressive face and manages to convey comedy and emotion well. Some actresses her age have too much botox and can't show any expression at all. Pauline Collins isn't as well preserved but she is perfect for her role. Franco Nero plays an Italian artist and love interest.

Worth a watch.

You really have to hand it to Joan Collins. This film was made when she was 84. Yesterday she was 90. She's still working.

Collins stars here with another Collins, Pauline. Joan plays an old has been movie star living in a nursing home and hating it.

When the nursing home has an outing, Pauline, in town with her grouchy husband, gets stuck on the nursing home bus.

Before she knows it, she's run off with Joan, who needs her help getting to a director's funeral in France. Supposedly she wants to reintroduce herself to the Hollywood big shots. "It will be just like the Oscars. A little sadder, but not really." Joan has another agenda which she doesn't think to mention.

They do take the ferry to France, and then the problems start. They wind up stranded and become the guest of renowned artist Alberto Rossetti (Franco Nero) who finds Pauline enchanting, which makes Pauline rethink an unhappy life.

Things go from okay to bad to tragic. Somewhere in there, when Joan isn't stealing Pauline's wallet and lying to her, they find true friendship.

It's silly fun with good acting and beautiful scenery.

I have to say I enjoyed every single moment of this, a truly moving, funny and engaging movie that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Two actresses I have always admired, both true talents, combining once again to great effect. The pair had worked together many years before in an episode of takes of the unexpected, back then Joan was the star, with Pauline somewhat in her shadow. A similar tale here, but as it goes on you see there's depth to both characters. Some great humour, mostly from Joan, and some heart breaking moments, many from Pauline. I urge you to watch this film. 9/10

There are so many films that try to make the story line so hard to follow; this is not one of them. I look forward to the sequel - there is much more adventure and life ahead of both of these women and how their families accept their new found joy of life. Bring it on.