If the sight of Kristin Scott Thomas in an evening gown and military boots running across a London street can’t make you smile, you’re too far gone for the simple, sentimental pleasures of Military Wives. Inspired by a British reality TV series, the film follows the Full Monty template: A group of ordinary British folks takes on a creative project for which they have no apparent affinity and triumph in the end. The film even has Monty’s own director, Peter Cattaneo, at the helm.
Scott Thomas and Sharon Horgan (Game Night) portray two army officers’ wives who, of course, can’t stand each other but join forces to start a “singing club” for their fellow wives during their spouses’ latest deployment. An assortment of likable character actresses portrays an assortment of likable women: the one with the great voice, the new bride, the lesbian, the great mom — and so on.
There’s nothing original about Military Wives, but its predictability is part of its charm. You don’t watch this movie to be challenged but to be reduced to a puddle of tears by the end. So put your judginess on pause for a couple of hours, grit your teeth at the screenplay’s countless clichés and just let the serio-hokeyness wash over you.
Available to rent starting May 22 via fineartstheatre.com
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