The word 'Cliche' was invented for this movie. Not one single stone unturned. Most tick-boxes ticked. Cancer, feminist ideals, Christmas, romance, woman-power, adversity-facing, middle-class humour, active but silly older generation, and the list goes on. Tack on an improbable and implausible script filled with pot-hole-sized plot holes, and add a potpourri of very British minor stars. Give it a snappy title, light the touchpaper, and run for cover.
But is it enjoyable? Yes, it is. Suspend your cynical disbelief at the feeble and shaky plot, and enjoy a sterling performance from the reliable Tim Spall, who elevates the entire film, ably buoyed up by the dependable Imelda Staunton. Comic cameo roles masterfully underplayed by Josie Lawrence and John Sessions are a real treat to watch. Don't study this film too carefully. Of course the van would have disintegrated coming off the lorry! Sure, an army of extra dancers appear from nowhere on stage in Rome! Where did the wheelchairs come from? Does Sandra drown in her 'leap of faith'? And I still think she ought to have taken some spare underwear with her.
It's a feelgood, vacuous and predictable film destined to go straight to DVD and Christmas schedules. But it's 'British-ly' familiar with lashings of happiness. To be taken lightly with lots of popcorn and ice cream.
Review of Finding Your Feet
