How About You [DVD] (2007)

Based on a novel by Irish writer Maeve Binchy, this little film is set over the Christmas period in a rather upmarket residential home for senior citizens. However, it is not a film exclusively for the festive season. It tells the story of Ellie (Hayley Atwell), who has just broken up with her boyfriend and lands in the above mentioned establishment, which is owned and run by her older sister, expecting to be given a place to stay. What she hasn't bargained for is that she'll have to work for her keep, and when her sister is called away because of a family emergency, it falls to Ellie to single-handedly run the home.The residents are all rather unpleasant and demanding, and while the acting by such greats as Vanessa Redgrave, Brenda Fricker and Imelda Staunton is very good, it takes a bit of time to warm to their characters. The ageing actress played by Redgrave is the easiest to like, the full story of the two sisters played by Fricker and Staunton emerges rather too slowly and by the time it does, many a viewer may well have lost interest in them because of their rude behaviour. Which is a pity, because when all is explained, everything makes sense.Hayley Atwell is very likable as Ellie, Redgrave is good as ever and when she gets her moment to shine, she does so with all the glamour of a real star. In that flamboyant red coat of hers she does cut a very fine figure indeed. There are various subplots, all mildly entertaining, but basically this is the story of Ellie taking responsibility for the first time in her life, and of a lot of lonely people discovering the importance of company and community.No, it's not the greatest film ever made, but if you don't expect any more than a bit of light entertainment without violence you should enjoy this well enough. One drawback: The DVD has no subtitles, which a film about senior citizens and aimed at a mature to elderly audience really should have.

This is a sweet and charming film set during the Christmas period in an eccentric care home.Ellie Harris is a young women at a loose end, subsequently she decides to visit her sister's care home where she finds the residents are very much set in their own ways and a little segregated by that. She also has a little romance and gets closer to the elderly people living there. She experiences heartbreak and questions her own trajectory through life as her view of the people living around her softens so when her sister is called away on Christmas Eve to visit their mother, Ellie decides to take over and manage the Christmas dinner.This film very much relies on the fabulous performances of Vanessa Redgrave, Brenda Fricker, Joss Ackland and Imogen Stubbs and they deliver plentiful. As a result there is a lot poignancy to the storyline, but overall it looks lovely and there is an upbeat attitude, ultimately that is what I took away from this.Overall despite the subject matter being about being old and in the care home system, because of the first class acting and positivity from the actors this film, it left me with a smile on my face and I would recommend to anyone wanting something light to fill their evening viewing.

How about You is a wonderful life-affirming film about life in a care home at Christmas when most of the residents and staff have actually gone away for the festive season. The initial premise does not sound exciting but the team of Hayley Atwell supported by Imelda Staunton, Brenda Fricker, Vanessa Redgrave and curmudgeonly Joss Ackland make for fascinating viewing. It is also really funny, particularly the scene when Vanessa Redgrave's character escapes to a nearby pub and regales everyone with her singing of the How About You song. I was a bit worried that Hayley, who is a joy to watch at any time, seemed to be unrealistically superhuman - cooking a multi-course Christmas meal for five single-handedly whilst also running all the other day-to-day aspects of the care home. If this was the real world of course she would not leave the care home unstaffed to go in search of a missing resident, whilst the home inspector who turns up unannounced would not return later and sit down to a meal with everyone and brush aside his real role in life. But these are minor quibbles and I guess you could put them down to artistic licence. Hayley and the other four make a great ensemble, as they all have strongly written characters. If you have enjoyed The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Quartet, and other films of a similar ilk, then this too is a heartwarming and great film - much recommended!

Absolutely love this movie fantastic cast fantastic acting .would definitely recommend this movie . Although not a Christmas movie it's set over Christmas . definitely 5 star from me .I have watched this movie at least 10 times .

Pretty good. Good humour and story line. Well worth a watch

Not the best film I have ever seen but thought provoking and enjoyable for mixed ages

Great cast of actors, so this DVD was enjoyable to watch. You might feel a little confused, with the story line, as I felt I had opened the door to a care facility and walked into the day to day happenings and was not sure of what and whom I was seeing. It would have been better has the script writer taken a bit of poetic licence and given us a deeper look into the characters past lives, to better explain why each person was the way they were, as of now.

Good old, gentle, British comedy.Worth a watch. Laughter & tears.