What We Did on Our Holiday

I didn't know anything about this movie, but saw it on iTunes. I knew and liked most of the actors. So I rented it. I was sold within the first five minutes. And it didn't fail to get me more involved throughout. There's no big arc, great plot, fantastic action, or slap stick comedy. I mean, it's all there but not in a big, in your face way. And I love that. It's a story that anyone who has a heart, and has been through rough patches with his or her family can relate to. The script contains many really great lines, especially the kids' parts. It's masterful edited and well paced. There are a ton of short shots that create extra texture. Some stunning wide shots of the environment. Lots of use of indirect storytelling inducing your imagination, good acting, and incredible acting by the three kids. I was moved and welled up, laughed a lot, was in awe and progressively more engaged. If you're in the mood for action, big laughs, a thriller or a big drama, don't pick this one. But if you feel mellow and like good storytelling, then sit back, relax and watch this one.

What makes this movie a hoot? Three adorable children who comprehend the world with their own little brains, see relationships with their own beady innocent eyes, and act on their reckless instincts and innocent unbloomed knowledge. What We Did on Our Holiday is a delightful perspective into the abyss of the broken that skims its aftermath gorgeously.

David Tennant looks the right kind of perplexed in the comedy trying to figure out his children and marriage whilst Rosamund Pike complements him beautifully with her engaged acting. Ben Miller as Gavin is brilliant as well. Billy Connolly ices the funny storyline with his pizazz and brilliant comic timing.

The screenplay is witty, subtle and snappy. The good thing about its humour is that the entire film, unlike other comedies, is not build on a slapstick foundation. The theme of the movie sometimes goes really thoughtful from sheer comedy which further furbishes the rhythm. The plot will make you giggle per se without any extra addition to the story.

If you look at the downsides, sometimes you do hope the drama to be a little bit more grave. It lacks profundity, but considering it a Comedy, this fact can be overlooked.

A brilliant comedy that is compelled to traverse the 'outstanding category' by the mere cuteness rush of Harriet Turnbull and Bobby Smalldridge. This Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin project is a definite go go!

I will always think of this as a feature-length 2.4 Children. It made me laugh aloud, it made me shed a tear. There was one tiny subplot that wasn't tied up (Odin) which lost it a point, but well worth seeing. Family friendly, because, honestly, what kid hasn't heard swearing before?

The kids are fabulous, the adults are insane and the whole mess of a birthday party is hilariously tragic. I will happily look out for more films by this writer/director pair.

Have a watch of this film. A slight niggle is the unrealistic speed with which they navigated the M25. That just doesn't happen in real life, though the standstill traffic on the M1 was spot on.

I was hesitant to go to see this, since the critics panned it (by and large). But absolutely no regrets.

I have rarely seen a cinema full of people having so much fun. Great one liners, touching moments which still retain some authenticity despite a daft plot, and brilliant child actors.

The three leads - Billy Connolly, Rosamund Pike and David Tennant - all turn in notable performances, but its the three children who are the most remarkable.

There are also some nice positive life messages worked in, to take or leave as the viewer wishes.

Not to be missed.

It's not easy holding your life together, when your marriage seems to go south. Especially when kids are involved. Kids that do pick up on things and will let you know. Throw "Grandpas" Birthday into the mix and playing house almost becomes impossible. But what could have been a sour look filled with drama, is more like a light comedy, about death, family and life in general.

To pull this off, you have to have good actors. And you will not be surprised by the performances of the adults in this. You might be surprised by the performance of the kid actors though. They are really good and help carry the movie. Of course not all is light and fun throughout, but the overall experience is what you could expect :o)