Amazon.co.uk Review

To some extent, the team behind the revival of St. Trinian's were on a bit of a hiding to nothing. The old films, contextualised by a far different age, were knockabout, energetic, yet innocent comedies about the antics of a boisterous girls' school and its inhabitants. Surprisingly though, the remake--again inspired by the Ronald Searle cartoons--manages to sidestep the bulk of the obstacles in its path, and proves itself as a likeable, entertaining comedy.

The plot of St. Trinian's is as paper-thin as you'd expect, and serves merely as a platform for the anarchic actions of the cast of characters (some hokum about stealing a picture and saving the school). And a mischievous lot they prove to be: while they don't quite live up to the memories of the generation of St. Trinian's students before them, the primarily young cast still attack their roles with tremendous, and infectious, gusto.

And leading the cast is Rupert Everett, in an entertaining duel role at St. Trinian's headmistress Miss Frinton and her brother, Carnaby. Joined by Colin Firth, he's clearly having a whale of a time, and his casting process a wise decision. It's great to see the always-wonderful Celia Imrie in there, too.

St Trinian's, as you'd expect, has plenty of problems, notably a script that relies too much on the charm of its cast to pull it through. But heck, it's still fun, and a hard film not to enjoy. It won't win Oscars, but it will put a grin on your face. --Jon Foster

The worst British film i have ever seen (20. August 2008)

Annabelle Fritton (Riley) is sent to one of the worst all girl schools in the country, which is on the verge of being shutdown.

Having a lot of respect for British cinema, and being very patriotic, I am almost disgusted by how this film appears.

Gone is the genius and controversy of Trainspotting. The political correctness of Brassed off has disappeared, and we are left with a predictable, unrealistic and a sad excuse for a British film in a dreadful unfunny story about an all girl's school.

Though I'm not a massive fan, Colin Firth (Pride and Prejudice) and Rupert Everett (A Midsummer Night's dream) should have carried this film, but gave poor performances in what are two very confusing characters with a bizarre history that is never properly explained. And the supporting cast are all just boring, with no humour and predictability written over their faces. I'm not a fan, but Russell Brand was the best thing about this film, which says a lot when sophisticated actors like Firth can't even match Brand.

The plot is boring and all over the place with bizarre visuals and pauses. One of the least funny "comedies" I have seen, with perhaps only 3 or 4 laugh out loud moments during the whole 97 minutes. Predictable and way too modern, with jokes about current celebrities and TV shows, I mean how will this appeal to people in 20 years? They won't know what is going on. It is a film that has been made for the current media.

The acting is poor, and the plot is always predictable. However there were a few surprises in store and is sometimes interesting.

The plot could was all over the place. Started off focusing on the girl who was arriving, then she was lost half way through as it went all political. Then there was a brief introduction of modern day stereotypes, and why that wasn't further developed I will never know. Audiences need a true gritty story about a stereotype. And then this awkward last ditch unrealistic chance to save the school, and was just not what I expected at all and if you're looking for a good teenage comedy, try Ferris Bueller's Day Off or Euro Trip, as St Trinian's is poor, predictable and quite frankly, the worst British film I have ever seen.

3/10

Maniac rules (15. August 2008)

Wasn't quite sure what to expect from the remake. Some of the casting is a bit off. Some of the actresses are obviously too old to play schoolgirls like Taylor is better known for playing a 20-something in "2 pints of lager" and Russell Brand is not good enough to play Flash Harry. The plot itself is a bit predictable and silly, but then again so were the original films. Not sure how well the film will translate to an oversea market as there a lot of "British" jokes reference, eg Colin Firth/Mr Darcy. On the plus side, the sound track is used well and in the end it's a good laugh.

Exuberance over wit (26. July 2008)

Three stars is actually two higher than I expected to give this film. Many of my worst fears were realised: wit is noticeable by its almost complete absence; peppering the film with celeb non-actors is a dismal device; and by comparison with the originals, the updated script fails to get off the ground on its own terms, but scrapes by with dozens of knowing references that (thankfully) went above my kids' heads!

So why 3 stars? Firstly, Rupert Everett: as an Alistair Sim for the 21st Century, I don't think they could have done any better. Everett camps up the role delightfully and looks the part (as indeed does Stephen Fry, sending himself up with gay abandon!)

Second, there is a certain energy and joie de vivre about the whole enterprise, even if the jokes are crude and perfunctory. Exuberance counts for something, I guess.

Third, my kids thought it was a scream. OK, fair enough - they don't remember the original films and would probably regard anything older than 2 years as (deep sigh) "ancient" - but we over-40s don't have a monopoly on good judgement. Let them have their day!!

Tremendous fun (15. July 2008)

The 2007 version of St Trinians is a hilarious update on the original films featuring a wonderful cast who obviously had a great time making the film. The plot repeats many of the ideas from the originals. The worst school in the country is under threat from a conservative minister. The school is in financial jeopardy, not helped by its headmistress. It is up to the plucky girls to save the day by attempting to rob the National Gallery.
The film is bright, colourful and energetic. Contemporary girl bands have been recruited to perform to soundtrack whilst performer of the calibre of Stephen Fry, Colin Firth and Russell Brand make the film fun to watch. In particular, Firth delights in a series of cheeky references to some of his past performances. Rupert Everett steals the show with his dual role and captures the spirit of the originals perfectly.
It is a film which is consistently entertaining and energetic performed with verve and great humour.

Remade with attitude (11. July 2008)

Having loved the four Black & White movies (which have all received mixed reviews over the years - haven't all movies e.g. Jaws?) I was ready to see the modern day take on them but also ready to accept the older films might not be paid any homage!! Indeed the new version is bang up to date and yet the modernity of this film does hold true with the original idea of the St Trinians comic drawings, you just have to be ready to accept the idea of the social castes, mobile phones and the like. In the background things go on and you have to be able to see them whilst the film is still going on in the foreground!

Okay the casting might not be perfect on the male side but I felt the girls gave the film their all and true performances came from Gemma Aterton and Talulah Riley and all the other focal girls.

A super way to spend an afternoon after the more thought provoking I Am Legend. Some laugh out loud moments and good visual gags. Yes the jokes are more important than the "plot" but the same is true of the original films and I really enjoyed them too.

The loss of one star due to the slightly poor male side to the cast but everywhere else the film ticked the boxes and was very entertaining.