ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS: THE MOVIE REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

In 1992, Jennifer Saunders created a sitcom based on two women, Edina Monsoon (Saunders) and Patsy Stone (Joanna Lumley), and it became a success. Now, over two decades later, Eddy and Patsy and their drunken antics have reached the big screen. Fans of the TV series will love this but you don't have to be an avid watcher of the show to enjoy it because I've never watched it yet I still loved it.

The film is set in modern day and Eddy and Patsy are still oozing glitz and glamor, living the high life they are accustomed to; shopping, drinking and clubbing their way around London's trendiest hot-spots. However, things take a drastic turn when Eddy accidentally knocks Kate Moss into the River Thames and becomes one of the most hated women in the world. She and Patsy escape to the French Riveria to hide away from the media and the police but, of course, things don't go to plan.

Bringing a 30 minute sitcom to the big screen and expanding it to 90 minutes is a big challenge but, fortunately, Saunders' screenplay is full of laughs. Most of the comic dialogue comes from Eddy and Patsy and how they deal with situations is so ridiculous, it's hilarious. 

Julia Sawalha returns as Eddy's daughter, Saffron, who is the polar opposite of her mother. She is sensible and, in the series, was always there to witness Eddy's hangovers. Now, she has a 13-year-old daughter, Lola (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) who accompanies Eddy and Patsy in their escape to France. There's a really funny scene where Saffron goes out of her depth to a gay club to try and find her mother and is forced to perform in front of a group of drag queens. 

This film will definitely be remembered for its celebrity cameos. In my opinion, I enjoyed Rylan Clarke-Neal and Rebel Wilson's cameos as two flight attendants. In the UK, Rylan is best known for competing in the singing competition, The X Factor, and has presented various TV shows since. He doesn't have much dialogue but it was funny seeing him in this film. Wilson, an Ab Fab fan, was desperate to appear in the film and, due to a busy schedule, could only film a small scene but it was definitely one of my favourite parts of the film. Eddy and Patsy have never flown in economy before and are used to flying first class. They behave inappropriately and this leads to Wilson's flight attendant setting them straight. 

Many critics will, inevitably, hate this film for many reasons and I can understand why. No, it's not a flawless film and yes, at times, it's a bit ridiculous but it's a lot of fun and it's enjoyable. This is the perfect summer film to watch if you're looking for comedy. 

7/10