Reminiscence is the basic theme of this black comedy. Consequently, the major part of this film is in flashback as four elderly men, all good friends, recall all the memorable times they spent together with their good friend Jack Dodds, the local butcher. Jack is no more, though his presence is still felt. His ashes are in a canister no bigger than a tea caddy. It was jack's dearest wish to have his ashes scattered at Margate, a seaside town he loved.
So this film is very much like a road movie as we share their conversation while they speed along the highway to Margate. And yes, Jack's ashes are with them.
The story gets very confusing at times because it deals with two generations and the flashbacks are many, jumping in and out of the picture. The faces of the five men in the leading roles are matched rather well with those of the younger actors playing those roles in earlier days, but it requires considerable concentration to recognize the characters and their relationship with each other. One wonders if it is really worth the trouble.
Michael Caine as the butcher gives his usual reliable performance as does Helen Mirren and the others, but they are worthy of better material. I thought the fisticuffs scene was irrelevant and embarrassing to watch. However, there are some memorable moments. For example when Ray is overcome with grief and can scarcely contain himself and when Jack's wife Amy informs her handicapped daughter that this is the last visit. And then there's the most moving scene of all on the wharves at Margate and just those two words "Goodbye Jack".
So this film is very much like a road movie as we share their conversation while they speed along the highway to Margate. And yes, Jack's ashes are with them.
The story gets very confusing at times because it deals with two generations and the flashbacks are many, jumping in and out of the picture. The faces of the five men in the leading roles are matched rather well with those of the younger actors playing those roles in earlier days, but it requires considerable concentration to recognize the characters and their relationship with each other. One wonders if it is really worth the trouble.
Michael Caine as the butcher gives his usual reliable performance as does Helen Mirren and the others, but they are worthy of better material. I thought the fisticuffs scene was irrelevant and embarrassing to watch. However, there are some memorable moments. For example when Ray is overcome with grief and can scarcely contain himself and when Jack's wife Amy informs her handicapped daughter that this is the last visit. And then there's the most moving scene of all on the wharves at Margate and just those two words "Goodbye Jack".