Movie Description Based on a true story, Nigel Cole's CALENDAR GIRLS has a mix of comedy and heart-tugging emotion that compares with British comedies FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL and THE FULL MONTY. Annie (Julie Walters) and Chris (Helen Mirren), of bucolic Yorkshire, belong to the Women's Institute (WI), which preserves traditional homemaking practices. While they're just as dedicated as the other ladies in the group, Annie and Chris are adventurous personalities, and they poke fun at the WI's tedious lectures on broccoli and fabrics. In an effort to raise money for the local hospital while also spicing things up at the WI, the ladies decide to put a new spin on the WI calendar, which usually depicts landscapes or churches. The women will pose nude for the calendar while performing traditional activities like baking and gardening. It's no surprise that the finished calendar is a wild success, bringing the ladies instant notoriety and adoration.
Stellar talent carries the story, especially from glorious Mirren, who portrays yet another daring female character, as she did in past films like THE COOK, THE THIEF, HIS WIFE, AND HER LOVER. Staying true to the real-life story, the film closely matches the original calendar photos, and provides a funny, touching, uplifting tale.
| Credits | | Producer: | Nick Barton, Suzanne Mackie | | Cast: | Annette Crosbie, Celia Imrie, Julie Waters, Penelope Wilton |
Notes Theatrical Release: December 19, 2003 (LIMITED)
Editorial Reviews "...Helen Mirren, Julie Walters and an expert ensemble bring boisterous energy to their portrayals..." Movieline - Stephen Farber (12/01/2003)
"The leads are nicely supported by a handful of theater and screen veterans." Los Angeles Times - Manohla Dargis (12/19/2003)
"For an actor-oriented movie with two excellent leads, GIRLS is handsome, shot in Panavision and takes full advantage of oceanside locales." USA Today - Mike Clark (12/19/2003)
"[A] sweet, good-humored comedy..." Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (12/19/2003)
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