aarosedi Smith and Connelly, I am familiar, and I'd say they're still at the top of their form. Courtenay and Collins, I've been introduced and is delighted to have seen them here, a film which could be considered a crash course in everything G Verdi. It would be considered downright exploitative to expect these seasoned thespians to actually sing the quartet from Rigoletto. Of course they wouldn't.It's such a joy seeing such passion in people in their sunset years depicted on screen, especialy the one exemplified by Courtenay as he gives that masterclass in classical music to a group of youthful and impressionable audience. One and a half hour is a guaranteed cool soothing breeze watching the four main characters and an ensemble that includes Gambon, Sachs giving effortless charming performances that will put a smile into people's faces, if not laughter.Not a chore watching this film because in real life meeting these sort of people would be considered quite a chore. Thanks for saving us that bother. Of course, just kidding.My rating: B-plus

SimonJack "Quartet" is a good British comedy with a cast of some of the great British actors of the last half of the 20th century. The film is based on a play and was the first credited directing job for Dustin Hoffman. The story has wonderful potential, but somehow the movie seems to miss the second gear that would give it some oomph. Among the cast are some wonderful British actors that movie buffs have enjoyed for decades. They've played in comedy, drama, mysteries and romantic histories and biographies. Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Michael Gambon and Andrew Sachs head the cast. The plot isn't original – a retirement home for actors, artists and musicians. The ensemble comes together to stage a production when one of the last reigning stars from a big hit joins the community. Smith's Jean Horton comments, when she sees how the people get along, "It's not a retirement home. It's a mad house."It's an enjoyable film, mostly for those who appreciate some of the performers and films of the past. The language is a little crass and off color at times. Modern audiences may not find it slow and not very funny.

Wolfgang First of all, I wish this is more popular in my country. This movie has a lot to share in its story and characters. While watching, you'll get flashbacks and flashforwards (if this word even exists) about your own life. It'll give you very many new perspectives about life, about the past, the present, and the future. Of course, without making you feel desperate and stressed.It's packed really well in the plots, the characters brought the atmosphere to such a heavy and tense but breathable gravity. It talks about facing getting old, expiration of gifts, forgiveness, love, memories, in beautiful ways.The only thing that makes me let two stars lost from the rating is it's too short, I really want it to be more. I want to see more about the characters in the movie. They are enchanting, their stories are wondrous, their interactions are spellbinding. Great salute for everyone who made this movie happen.

politic1983 This probably isn't a film that I would typically go and see – it's not really aimed at me. I, therefore, decided to watch it in Brixton to add some credibility. Essentially, a cast of British ageing British stars have been brought together to be told what to do by an ageing American star in Dustin Hoffman. Cue hilariousness with jokes about being old.That's probably a bit harsh, with this more a piece about fear of losing gifts when growing old, a bit like being part of QPR's squad. Identified at the end for their talents, much of the wider cast are stars of the stage from yesteryear showcasing their talents in a retirement home for elderly musicians.The titular quartet are star opera singers famed for their foursome that have grown apart by failed marriage and senility. With the fourth member finally being old enough to make residence, the four are reunited and everyone suggests that they should perform at the 'big show' which obviously isn't anywhere near as big as what they would have done in the past. Overcoming their past differences and fears, the four take the stage to have the film end before we realise that Billy Connolly isn't actually a master opera performer after all.The addition of Billy Connolly is a wise one, however, as the film is just a bit too twee without him. The film is not particularly long, but seems to drag on a bit, possibly due to the lack of any real event and not too much depth into each of the characters. Connolly provides the comic relief which is welcome, but other than that it's just a bit too nice. Even the resident doctor, played a bit too emotionally by Sheridan Smith, is nice, with not an abusive word nor demeaning act forced upon the olds. Where's the fun, or reality, in that?politic1983.blogspot.com