Beview: January 2016

Don't Panic! Get the Dad's Army World Premiere recap here.

Thursday, January 28, 2016
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Keep Calm and Fall in Love with Dad's Army (again) ★★★

Dad's Army first began its legacy in 1968, setting an extremely high bar for every sitcom ever to follow in the years after - to this very day. There was a film in 1971, and some 40-something years later, they're having another crack at it. I was at the premiere in Leicester Square on Tuesday night, and despite heavy wind and rain, Odeon was brought to life, dazzling under bright lights. It wasn't the only thing that was brought back to life!

I'll come right out and say it: I haven't really seen the original series, and therefore I can't review this like-for-like. (They came out lo-o-ong before my time, although I did use to watch episodes at school.) I'm familiar on a basic level but I'm afraid I'm none-the-wiser on the film's in-jokes and references, although I have done some research and can tell you there are in-jokes and references but that's not really the same is it...? The film's producers and writers have made it clear, however, that this is not an update or reworking or direct continuation of the original series - and let's be honest, they'd be big military boots to fill. But whether you're a first time fan, or new audience member looking for an insight into what your mum and dad used to watch, it's a thoroughly entertaining 99 minutes.

It's 1944 and the Home Guard in the fictional Walmington-on-Sea is lacking morale, unable to see how their contributions are helping the Second World War. That's when the glamorous Rose Winters (a timeless Catherine Zeta-Jones) arrives, a journalist documenting the questionable antics of our beloved Dad's Army. Oliver Parker (St Trinians, Johnny English Reborn) directs this 21st century reimagining.

It really is quite a simple plot, and it never attempts to be a game-changer but instead lets the funniness take over. It's got very silly humour, obvious jokes, a lot of mocking, hyperboles, innuendos and slapstick comedy. Just like the good ol' days! There are a few set-up scenes which felt much like a TV sitcom (you can almost hear the doctored laughter), and I could've done with a few more of these. The people in the seats next to me were howling with laughter from the very first credits scene, and there were similar woops and cheers throughout which can only be a good sign. It is undoubtedly a feel-good movie, although an incredibly silly one.

The wonderful Toby Jones leads an all-star British cast, who I'm told stay fairly true to their original characteristics and attributes. The producers really have made the best of a strong bunch. Jones is a true funnyman commanding every scene; you'll also chuckle pretty hard at his facial expressions and great likeness to Churchill. Sir Michael Gambon, who plays Private Godfrey, also lights up the screen. Bill Nighy is very Bill Nighy, and there's also Tom Courtenay and Blake Harrison injecting gentle moments of humour. And not to mention Ian Lavender and Frank Williams from the original cast, clearly giving their seal of approval! Mark Gatiss as the Army's area manager is popularly reminiscent of his character Mycroft in Sherlock, and Catherine Zeta-Jones struts around Walmington-on-Sea confidently and seductively.

In the presence of Ms Winters, every man is like a giddy schoolboy. #whipped. Although initially hilarious, I found this a bit too stretched out in every scene and taking up a bit too much plot. (She's a risky character to add to the mix in an otherwise relatively safe story). She's unashamedly glamorous and sophisticated, but really? Other women are given much more of a role, and screen time too - in fact, at several certain times, it's the women who really steal the show.

The beauty of the film is in the acting and comradery, but also their ability to transform an intimate TV experience into a silver screen homage which a new generation can now enjoy. Original catchphrases are not lost in translation, and this production has nothing but respect for such a respected sitcom. The story is totally as you see it - it doesn't lack subtlety, either. Throw in the mystery of a hidden German spy, and the weight of winning the war put on these accidental heroes, and you have a memorable watch ahead of you. Look out for the third act dramatic sequence which will not disappoint.

If I could on the keyboard, I'd bump this up by half a star. Prepare to laugh out loud, and laugh some more. This is a fitting celebration of one of Britain's best-loved sitcoms, and the cast do it proud even if the script and story aren't perfect. Don't Panic! It's truly hard not to love watching this, whether you're a Dad's Army veteran or complete newbie. I know one thing's for sure: I'm about to get a boxset, go back to the 1970s and bingewatch like it's 2016.

Thanks for having me, MCM Comic Con/Universal! You can read the red carpet roundup here, too.