The Time of Their Lives (DVD) [2017]

Such a funny film a must see

I'm astounded that this film has had such bad reviews in the press. Ok, so it's not the best/greatest film ever made, but neither is it the worst, I enjoyed it. It's a gentle film, and Pauline Collins gives a wonderfully understated performance as Priscilla a downtrodden housewife with her own story of sadness, while Dame Joan Collins plays the financially broke, selfish, garishly made up, almost ghoulish, bewigged, ageing Hollywood has-been, who has had a dissolute life, still likes a tipple and now lives in a retirement home for the elderly, where she awaits a hip replacement, yet she still thinks she can achieve a major comeback in Hollywood; she plays this without trying to gain any audience sympathy for her character Helen. Franco Nero adds a touch of Italian romantic sparkle as Alberto, although, for me, the acting credits must go to Joely Richardson as Lucy.The film has some unexpected moments and is mildly amusing and also touching at times. Yes, Joan Collins opportunistic, world weary character, Helen, could and should have been developed in more detail. And there are also parts of the story and relationships that could have been given much more depth, explored, and again developed, particularly at the funeral in France, and between the Joan Collins (Helen) and Joely Richardson (Lucy) characters. It's a shame that doesn't happen because it would have improved the film greatly, and given more opportunity for deeper character development, particularly on Joan Collins part, because she has such a key role in the film/story, and I don't feel the director Roger Goldby gets the best performance out of the veteran actress. Given her own roller coaster life experiences, I feel she could have brought so much more to the character of Helen.The film tries to be a cross between an OAP Thelma and Louise, and a serious journey of late in life self-discovery, similar to the highly successful Shirley Valentine. And while Pauline Collins and Joely Richardson shine, it ends up being a slightly lackluster, superficial buddy movie. However, it's beautifully filmed, with a good sound track, and the French locations at Île de Ré are absolutely stunning, and Joan Collins has certainly worked very hard promoting the film.

not brilliant a bit silly

Incredible but true... Time of Their Lives was released 66 years after Joan Collins shot her first film! And England's sexiest-ever Dame is better than ever as Helen Shelley, a has-been sixties starlet now living a miserable existence in an old folks home, and awaiting a hip replacement. In slightly wonky makeup, a battered wig, limping along in flat shoes and grey socks, it's hard to believe this forlorn creature is the effervescent Joan Collins we all know so well. However, as the plot progresses and Helen Shelley escapes to France, glimpses of the radiant star begin to emerge. In the film's most poignant and memorable scene, she is simply marvellous when Helen tipsily takes to the microphone to sing to a crowd of rather disinterested onlookers. This one scene alone is reason to watch. Supported by Pauline Collins and Franco Nero (who has left it rather late in his career to suddenly go full frontal!), Joan Collins obviously relished the chance to sink her teeth into this role, and she doesn't shrink from the very unpleasant aspects of her character (Helen is supremely selfish, a manipulative liar and a thief). She very bravely allows herself to be photographed looking pretty dreadful at times. I do hope more leading movie roles are in store for Dame Joan. Were this to be her last film, it would be a shame if future generations viewing it should think "ah, shame, Alexis ended up an old lady with a walking stick". Joan Collins still has the allure that has kept her in the public eye longer than any other screen glamour queen in film history.

I throughly enjoyed, great performance by both Joan and Pauline collins. Thought provoking on how older stars are treated. Story line predictable but so many are these days, but would recommend for a light hearted film.

Fun to watch

I thought this film had some quite sad parts to it, enough to make me weep on occasion. There is also gentle comedy, nothing laugh out loud, but enough for a titter and appropriate enough to make the film more believable, rather than forced comedy. Pauline Collins acting, I thought, was very, very good, she can convey a great deal just with almost imperceptible facial movements.Joan Collins plays a sort of dilapidated dark haired version of Patsy in Ab Fab, and is prepared to play the part to the hilt. I’d like to have seen the wigless part showing the more likely grey hair beneath, that did not quite ring true, but that is small irrelevant detail. The pairing is a very good combo, more films of this pair together please.I have always had a soft spot (lust!) for Franco Nero since I saw him in the D H Lawrence based film “The Virgin and the Gypsy” at a very impressionable age in my late teens. That film is still available on DVD by the way, and I recommend it too.I would imagine this film would not be to everyone’s taste, but I am glad to see films are being made for those of us over 50 nowadays, where we can still be shown that romance is alive & kicking. I will watch this DVD again, as I enjoyed it very much; it’s a chick flick for us older chicks.