Allison Steadman is still raising her twins daughters in a suburban town; trying to keep husband Jim Broadbent from doing stupid things; trying to support friend Timothy Spall after he opens a restaurant called 'Regret Rien' where he offers dishes like Black Pudding & Camembert Soup and Tongues In A Rhubarb Hollandaise. Why does she bother to fight these unwindable battles? Why does she keep bursting out laughing.
It's one of director Mike Leigh's semi-scripted movies, more a series of character portraits than any sort of story, a series of revelations and not so much change. It's all anchored by Miss Steadman marvelous, life-affirming performance, but the mad people who surround her are superb actors too, like David Thewlis and Stephen Rea, bringing their ridiculous characters to life. It's a trifle really, but in the end, far more palatable than anything Spall might offer the customers who don't show up.
It's one of director Mike Leigh's semi-scripted movies, more a series of character portraits than any sort of story, a series of revelations and not so much change. It's all anchored by Miss Steadman marvelous, life-affirming performance, but the mad people who surround her are superb actors too, like David Thewlis and Stephen Rea, bringing their ridiculous characters to life. It's a trifle really, but in the end, far more palatable than anything Spall might offer the customers who don't show up.