Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie review – Eddie and Patsy are definitely still in style
Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are back in the big-screen adaptation of the much loved ’90s classic sitcom.
When it was announced last year that everybody’s favourite boozed-up, larger than life dynamic duo were making their way to the big screen, some fans of the iconic sitcom understandably had their doubts.
Luckily, they were unfounded, as Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley prove they are very much still in style Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie – a brilliantly funny, ridiculously camp outing – a welcome remedy that is sure to cure the country’s Brexit fuelled depression.
Saunders and Lumley have lost none of their outrageous, infectious charm as the hapless Edina and lethal Patsy, as they literally stumble onto the screen – champagne in one hand, cigarette in the other.
We join the pair as Eddie faces financial ruin – her ex-husband can no longer fund her extravagant lifestyle, as he has to pay for gender reassignment surgery after coming out as trans (just as his current wife comes out as black).
Similarly, her only clients are Lulu and Emma ‘Baby’ Bunton – who show nothing but hatred for the useless PR guru – and a ’boutique vodka’ chain.
However, things really hit the fan after they attend a party where Kate Moss is to be found chatting to Jon Hamm.
As Eddie hopes to win Moss as a client, Patsy tries to “roll the Hamm” away.
In arguably the best celeb cameo – although Rebel Wilson charms as a bitchy flight attendant – Hamm looks at her blankly and then flinches when he remembers how they first met.
“You took my virginity, leave me my sanity…” he whimpers as Patsy eyes him up.
Things, surprisingly, do not go to plan – Moss ends up in the Thames and Edina and Patsy have to go on the run.
Chaos then ensues as the pair flee to the South of France in pursuit of wealth and riches.
We see daughter Saffy (Julia Sawalha) forced to battle a bunch of drag queens – including Jodie Harsh and La Voix – in iconic venue the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, the pair gatecrashing an “old lezza’s party” and a whole host of celebrity cameos (many of whom prove models should be seen, rather than heard.)
However, it is Lumley and Saunders who truly dazzle, with Lumley in particular stealing every scene she is in – whether its with a growl, an arched eyebrow or injection of Botox.
Although it isn’t perfect, this big screen outing is absolutely hilarious, sweetie, darlings!
