What We Did on Our Holiday (2014)

The old saw is that families come together in crises, but we all know there is an equal chance that they will come apart. Rarely is it mentioned that both can occur, as is true in this gem of a movie. Even more rare is the notion of a joyous death, a death occurring in the middle of one's most cherished pursuits, spending time with grandchildren. More rare still (if not unprecedented) is that death can be celebrated with creativity and connection coming from children, who are ordinarily shielded from its realities, but who can not only rise to the occasion but, with their own mythologies, transcend it.It does not hurt that the adult cast is stellar nor does it hurt that the countryside is immeasurably beautiful nor that the child performers are the most adept wise fools and truth tellers to be seen in decades.I did not intend to write about this movie. I wanted to keep it as a secret for myself, to watch as the spirit might insist. Yet when I saw the anemic professional reviews, I felt compelled to speak up. So, if nothing else, the less than resounding applause from the professional front has shaken me loose from my selfishness and forced me to declare that all movie watchers everywhere would likely find something of delight in this film: see it!

What We Did on Our Holiday is written and directed by Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin. It stars Rosamund Pike, David Tennant, Billy Connolly, Ben Miller, Amelia Bullmore, Emilia Jones, Bobby Smalldridge, Harriet Turnbull and Celia Imrie. Music is by Alex Heffes and cinematography by Martin Hawkins."The truth is, every human being on this planet is ridiculous in their own way. So we shouldn't judge, we shouldn't fight, because in the end... in the end, none of it matters. None of the stuff"Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin spin off from their hugely popular sit-com, Outnumbered, to produce this funny, philosophical and moving picture. Tennant and Pike play parents of three young children, they are pending a divorce, but with Doug's (Tennant) father, Gordie (Connolly), dying of cancer, the family head to Scotland for what will surely be his last birthday party. Hoping to put on a united front so as to not upset Gordie any further, nobody could envisage what was to happen next...It's a film that some no doubt find easy to kick, such is the uncomplicated structure used, and the formula of messaging that drives it forward. Yet sometimes uncomplicated is all you need, and in this day and age of mega-buck blockbusters and soulless frat type comedies grasping at sex for laughs, this is a film of refreshing qualities. It's superbly performed by what is a top notch group of adult British actors, who in turn are supplemented by three child actors so natural and engaging it makes you wonder if acting school is really needed?It's obviously a piece that will resonate more with those who have been touched/stung by the thematics at work, while the comedy ticking away - with some truly great lines uttered - could seem a bit off kilter for the unprepared, but hopefully more will watch it, laugh and cry and ultimately realise that life really is too short for, well, you get the picture I'm sure. 8/10

When I read about this film I thought it would be rubbish in all honestly... but I absolutely loved every minute of it and haven't stopped singing its praises to everyone since! I was crying with laughter within 5 minutes and found the whole film incredibly funny. The characters are all brilliant, especially the kids. It may not be a high brow film but its a real good, feel good comedy. I spent pretty much the whole film thinking "no, they're not going to do that" and they pretty much did it all! I would advise anyone who wants to laugh watch this as its my favourite film of the year! Its just such a shame that its pretty much unheard of by most people.

marvellous little movie this...slipped right through the net .I hold a Cineworld Unlimited Card and watched this at an Unlimited screening which confused me a bit...Why was such a low budget British movie have an Unlimited Screening then disappear without a trace?A few reviews have said this wasn't as funny as a comedy ,,,but it's not a comedy..it's a slice of what seems to be a normal family life and all the politics it holds.Every cast member gives incredible performances from young to old...Billy Connolly has the most sublime dialogue and the children shine. Also the chemistry between David Tennant and Rosamund Pike is electric.For those who say the situation gets silly in the second half I say this ....think of the silliest thing you have done as a 10 year old then judge.Marvellous 90 odd minutes.