Last Orders (2001)

Note: I didn’t mean to make this a Michael Caine double feature after California Suite – it just happened that way.

Synopsis: British blokes bethink bygone bonds, besprinkle best buddy’s burnt body.

Blurb From the VHS Jacket: “Covering nearly a half-century in the lives of a group of South London buddies, LAST ORDERS follows four men from their adopted pub to Margate Pier. Along with them are the ashes of Jack, their larger-than-life friend, whose deathbed request sends them on their way.”

What Did I Learn?: You can always count on winning money from a 33-1 horse race when you’re dying and the family business is deeply in debt.

You Might Like This Movie If: You’re ready to savour fine performances from Academy Award winner Michael Caine and Oscar nominee Bob Hoskins.

Really?: 1) So wait – Jack’s son and his three closest friends take a trip to Margate to dispose of his ashes and they decide to make side trips to see the War Memorial and Canterbury Cathedral? Oh, come on.... 2) In spite of the VHS jacket, I’m pretty sure I never saw Helen Mirren in any of the pub scenes.

Rating: Last Orders is a touching, funny and brilliantly-written British drama featuring outstanding work from everyone involved. Highly recommended. 10/10 stars.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0253200/