Bringing comedy to a new “height” Absolutely Fabulous on Celluloid at the Cinema

Most of us who have seen the decidedly irreverent but undeniably hilarious Absolutely Fabulous on our televisions over the years will know at least partly  what to expect from this film.  Some of the characters are distinctly older in this feminist feist such as June Whitfield arriving on the scene in a stairlift but rest assured – all the well loved favourites and many other random celebs are included in the film which is a purely humorous exploration on taking Pasty and Eddy (Edina Monsoon) further and higher in the pursuit of laughs and scandals,

The script written by women including Dawn French entrenches Edina Monsoon 65, (Eddie – Jennifer Saunders) in an allegation she pushed Kate Moss into the Thames at a fashionista event. Many innuendos and hints at top fashion designers in the world and cameo performances by a myriad of top stars accompany the drama of Eddie and Patsy ( Joanna Lumley) as they escape to Cannes to avoid police operations accusing one of them of pushing Moss into the Thames.  All this drama is intended to be taken lightly as also the constant champagne guzzling, incessant smoking (even in a swimming pool) and flirtations with men (Eddie is strangely not much involved in this though it is part of Patsy’s role at all times).

One can only gawp at the thought of the fun the costume designers had on clothing the two dolly birds including a rather masculine outfit for Eddie at the start of the shenanigans of a huge thick tie and striped shirt.  Patsy is dawbed in irreverant  amounts of gory red lipstick and her personal signature of the peroxide hair do in any shape or form appropriate.  Bolly – or Bollinger is the intrepid pairs’ tipple.

Duos are part of theatrical history in the field of celluloid – notably Batman and Robin or Sapphire and Steele so Patsy and Eddie are not alone in going forth together to commit atrocities or being found innocent of accusations.  It is said that when Absolutely Fabulous was first penned, a woman who was known by the writers resigned as one of the top roles was based on her.

This star studded farce needs the mention of the sub characters such as Eddie’s daughter who was become decidedly “square” with her detective boyfriend and her daughter spawned from a relationship with an African Prince who is drawn in the subterfuge and seen driving a car in the South of France at the age of 13.

As all filmgoers and people actively involved in the appreciation of film like to see a lightweight comedy occasionally, I forecast that this will be a winner at the box office.  It is fun with a serious message – YOLO – you only live once and with or without an amazing outfit, go forth and make the most of life with all its twists and turns…Enjoy

Penny Nair Price