jb-94900 It seems inevitable that the careers of well known, well respected actors finish with them having to accept "end of the pier" scripts such as this. Another reviewer has already pointed out many of the huge plot holes in this movie. The actors just about kept me watching but really it was no better than the awfully scripted comic spots in TV shows such as Rogue Traders and Martin Lewis' Money show etc., which I can no longer bear to watch. These actors deserve much better written scripts worthy of their proven acting abilities.

Gordon-11 This film tells the story of an elderly man who accidentally stumble upon a case of cash from the security van outside a bank. He discovers that robbing a bank is easy, and goes robbing banks in order to save his social club from being sold to developers."Golden Years" is a lighthearted comedy, there is no question about that. It is hard to imagine two retired people robbing banks as easily as counting one two three! The heist scenes are more funny than exciting, and the police conclusions are simply funny. The authorities seem to be incompetent despite all the plan evidence, which is entertaining. There is suggestion of it possibly having a sequel, and I hope it will be as entertaining as this.

euroGary Nick Knowles is best known to me as a presenter of BBC television programmes that require him to stand around in a hard hat of the kind beloved by George Osborne. It turns out he's also a writer, and co-wrote the screenplay of this latest British entry into the comedy genre 'old people behaving badly'.Arthur and Martha (no, really) are facing financial trouble: no sooner does the price of Martha's medicine dramatically increase than they discover Arthur's former employers have gone bust, meaning he will no longer receive his occupational pension. Arthur, enraged (he's played by Bernard Hill, so working-class anger is really the only option) decides to go on the rob. Before long Martha has joined him and they embark on a spree of bank hold-ups (combining same with a touring holiday of National Trust stately homes). But when their local bowls club is threatened, it's going to take more money than just the two of them can steal to save it: time to call in their friends.This was not as laugh-out-loud funny as I thought it would be: there are some chuckly moments, but in the main it is the kind of comedy that raises a smile rather than a guffaw. Unfortunately, the script at times gets so preachy the viewer feels like he's being clubbed about the head: there is much talk of money-grabbing bankers and National Health Service 'postcode lotteries'. Careless writing (or editing) also causes some obvious errors: Alun Armstrong's police detective simply disappears toward the end of the film with no explanation; and unless I missed a vital bit of exposition the timings of the final heist do not work once the funeral has been taken into account.So the real joy of this is - as so often with British films - seeing on the big screen actors you are more used to watching on television. As well as the afore-mentioned Hill and Armstrong, there are also Una Stubbs, Simon Callow (trying a West Country accent he should be thoroughly ashamed of), Phil Davis, Sue Johnston, Ellen Thomas (currently in 'EastEnders') - and, in a rare appearance, Virginia McKenna. It also makes a nice change for a British film not to be set in London (this is set in Bristol). But as for the script? Don't hang up the hard hat yet, Knowlesy...

Guy Jeffries I went to see this at a senior screening (afternoon showing which includes tea and biscuits for our beloved old age pensioners) and some might think this is the target audience. Even though I could hear plenty of laughter from the ranks above, there's plenty of current affairs a lot of them could relate to, which wouldn't offend, but bring home some realities. The film includes pension pinching, poor care home staff and a failing health trust. The bowling club is under threat as is the bingo nights. And Bernard Hill, King of Rohan has had enough of the daylight robbery and turns to a life of crime himself; storming the West Country in his caravan, robbing building societies in Point Break fashion whilst sightseeing the stately homes. Good cast of British greats including Simon Callow and Mark Williams; it's Brad Moore's full-of- himself Stringer that adds some office like humour donning cowboy boots and a fake tan. It's got plenty of comedy and some laugh out loud moments but there's not enough to be considered a roaring comedy. It has a decent soundtrack suiting the theme giving the film an upbeat attitude. However that's about it, nothing more to say about the film but it is as the title suggests, it golden, good ol' British humour. Light hearted entertainment that's actually fun for all ages, especially if you like cucumber sandwiches and mobility scooters. Probably best for when it's released on TV or make the most of the tea and biscuits and grab a senior screening like myself for cheap seats. Running Time: 8 The Cast: 7 Performance: 7 Direction: 5 Story: 6 Script: 5 Creativity: 6 Soundtrack: 7 Job Description: 5 The Extra Bonus Point: 056% 6/10