Last Orders Reviews

One for the road

At the end of a stressful day pop into your local and enjoy the good company of old friends, a trusty pint or two and this film. You will not be blown away by computer generated action sequences; there are no Depp-type swordfights or g-string silicon-implanted beach babes. This is old fashioned acting. Furthermore it is very British-people gently make mistakes in their lives, things are left unsaid and secrets repressed. The story is a simple journey and along the way there are detours and cul-de-sacs of every kind. The heavyweights (Caine and Hoskins) are good but I particularly enjoyed David Hemmings' performance as an old boxer intent on stirring things up and causing friction. RIP. Also great to see Strood appear in a film! So raise a glass, sit back and savour.

A gentle, slow goodbye

If you want a fast paced movie, don't go for Last Orders.

It took so long to get going I watched the beginning twice: there are so many subtle hints about what's coming in the scenes under the opening credits that perhaps watching this with the remote control in your hand is the best way to appreciate it.

But a film with Michael Caine, David Hemmings and Ray Winstone at full flood is always worth watching, and there are remarkable performances from Bob Hoskins and Tom Courtney. Helen Mirren's scenes with Hoskins, as the true history of the group is revealed, are full of quiet, heart breaking emotion.

One to stay in with and watch again.

One for a Rainy Sunday Afternoon. Brilliant

Layed back and easy viewing. Can recommend this movie whether you are 16 or 60, Man or Woman (Or as yet undecided) Great Film

Good feel movie

Good movie about a few friends that live the memories of a friend that has recently died.

Revealing life after death

This is a brilliant comedy/drama that that slowly unfolds the true life of a best friend...

The resulting death of Micheal Caine's boistrous character gives his mates, wife and son time to reflect on the good and not so good side of his character.

It is a warm, loving and bitter tale of friendship and the memories that hold together the pieces.

Don't let the gradmas and grandpas watch it, cause it looks a little too closely at the repercussions of someone close dying - they might want to reveal a few sectrets efore their time !

Four working-class Brits, bound by years of friendship, unites some of England's finest actors in a powerful and deeply moving ensemble production. Michael Caine stars as Jack Dodd, the charismatic leader of the group, whose death and last wishes sends his friends on a nostalgic journey from London to Margate to scatter Jack's ashes in the sea. After forty years of warming the seats at their favourite pub, long-time friends and WWII veterans Ray (Bob Hoskins), Lenny (David Hemmings), and Vic (Tom Courtenay) are forced to face the loss of one of their own as they make the "epic" journey accompanied by Jack's flashy, prodigal son Vince (Ray Winstone). Noticeably absent from the group is Jack's long-suffering widow Amy (Helen Mirren), who travels to visit her autistic daughter instead of accompanying her husband's ashes, in a painful journey of her own which sheds light on her complex relationship with Jack. As the four men make their way to Margate, going from pub to pub, they reflect on a lifetime of memories of Jack, which are recreated in a series of multi-layered flashbacks that explore the delicate interweaving of their friendships; full of secrets, resentments, and deeply rooted loyalty. Very enjoyable.

Finally, the Guys Get a Shot At It!

Finally, a wonderful relationship movie starring GUYS? Who'ld a thunk it, huh? Some of Britain's greatest hunks get a chance to turn a commonplace plot into a suspenseful, poignant, gripping, amusing and thoroughly enjoyable movie about ends AND beginnings. Where's that box of tissues? There are so many purely interesting things happening in this film between the characters that one doesn't notice that the plot is just plain whitebread with a bit of butter -- no jam whatsoever. But that doesn't deter these fine leads (yes, it can only be described that way because of their individual stellar performances) literally taking the ball (er, perhaps urn would be a better word) and running with it! Best bit - too many to name, but the walk out into the pasture is my favourite. Turn away bit - the egyptian bordello scene. I liked this one so much, I would rent it again AND buy it!

[Highly rated reviewer]

Last Orders

Expected a much better film; was disappointed as it was long, slow and boring.

Finally, the Guys Get a Shot At It!

Finally, a wonderful relationship movie starring GUYS! Who'ld a thunk it, huh? Some of Britain's greatest hunks get a chance to turn a commonplace plot into a suspenseful, poignant, gripping, amusing and thoroughly enjoyable movie about ends AND beginnings. Where's that box of tissues? There are so many purely interesting things happening in this film between the characters that one doesn't notice that the plot is just plain whitebread with a bit of butter -- no jam whatsoever. But that doesn't deter these fine leads (yes, it can only be described that way because of their individual stellar performances) literally taking the ball (er, perhaps urn would be a better word) and running with it! Best bit - too many to name, but the walk out into the pasture is my favourite. Turn away bit - the egyptian bordello scene. I liked this one so much, I would rent it again AND buy it!

Distinctly average

I primarily rented this film because I live in Canterbury and knew it had been filmed on location, including here and Margate. It strarts out meaningfully enough, but I'm sorry to say, despite it's great cast, it left me wanting. It lost my interest mid-way through and in then end did nothing more than pass the time. If that's what you want from a film then fine, but I wanted to be entertained and kept interested.