Off the Rails

Upon the premature death of one of their number, three of her closest friends, and her daughter set off to recreate a railway journey the foursome had taken thirty years earlier. The story follows their antics as they suffer mishaps and angst trying to get to the beautiful cathedral of Santa Maria in Mallorca in time for the sun striking the beautiful stained glass window - they have five days! Largely sustained by the must of Blondie, the ladies must each deal with their demons - of which, admittedly, they appear to have no shortage - and maybe even find a bit of romance before reaching their goal. It's a television film, really - it isn't bad, the production values are high and the cast are competent enough but the whole effort is just a little too light and fluffy. Jenny Seagrove could hardly be described as versatile - and where she has to feign anger, she rather under-delivers. Kelly Preston tends to steal the scenes she is in (she reminded me of Megan Mullally from "Will & Grace" a bit), and the somewhat down-trodden Sally Phillips helps raise a smile too. It's a feel-good film that will leave little, if any, mark on the audience but it will make for an easy 90 minutes on telly at Christmas.